Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. FIU Panthers Free Prediction 02/01/20

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It will be a battle between two sensational offenses when the FIU Panthers (14-8, 5-4 CUSA) take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-7, 7-2 CUSA) at Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Action begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. FIU Panthers Betting Odds

Both teams fell in their last game. The Panthers fell to the Marshall Thundering Herd, 84-74, while the Hilltoppers were defeated by the Florida Atlantic Owls, 69-65.

Western Kentucky did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (13-16; 81.3 percent) while FIU had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.9 (above their season average of 27.3). FIU’s Osasumwen Osaghae had a solid performance, recording 13 points and 11 rebounds. Jared Savage played a key role for Western Kentucky with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Panthers won the only contest between these two teams last year, 77-76. Getting to the charity stripe was one of FIU’s biggest advantages. They made 40 trips to the line, while Western Kentucky went just 24 times. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.

FIU appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Panthers rank 42nd in effective field goal percentage (0.536), while Western Kentucky ranks 197th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.492).

Western Kentucky at FIU Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • FIU ranks 30th in assists per game (15.5) while Western Kentucky ranks 232nd (11.3).
  • The Hilltoppers rank 177th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9) while the Panthers rank 283rd (40.7).
  • FIU averages 6.9 blocks per game, which ranks first in the nation. Western Kentucky ranks 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.8).
  • The Panthers average 26.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 31st in the NCAA. The Hilltoppers rank 204th in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
  • Western Kentucky ranks 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while FIU ranks 183rd (7.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 5.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (1.3 above their season average).