Rice Owls vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Prediction 01/04/20

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The Rice Owls (8-6, 0-1 CUSA) will be at E.A. Diddle Arena to meet the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5, 1-0 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.

Rice Owls at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ATS Odds

In their last contest, the Hilltoppers beat the North Texas Mean Green, 93-84, while the Owls got blown out by the Marshall Thundering Herd, 89-69.

The Hilltoppers knocked down 25 of their 34 free throws (73.5 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 7.0 (better than their season average of 16.5). Rice, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (19-25; 76.0 percent). Josh Anderson played well for Western Kentucky with 19 points and five rebounds. Drew Peterson led the way for Rice, putting up 18 points.

The Hilltoppers won the only game between these two teams last season, 92-85. Western Kentucky’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Rice. The Hilltoppers had a rate of 0.500 while the Owls posted a mark of 0.455. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Western Kentucky could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. The Hilltoppers rank 46th in offensive efficiency, while Rice ranks 254th in defensive efficiency.

Rice Owls vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Pick

Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Rice averages 28.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 18th in the country. Western Kentucky ranks 214th in three pointers allowed per game (24.6).
  • The Hilltoppers rank 17th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Owls rank 72nd (3.1).
  • The Hilltoppers rank 33rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while the Owls rank 212th (37.9).
  • Western Kentucky ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Rice ranks 107th (6.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Owls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, up from 0.4 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Hilltoppers have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.8 points per game (6.9 above their season average).