The Ohio Bobcats (4-4) will be at home in Convocation Center when they clash against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6-2). Western Kentucky opened as a 1-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 150 points. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 10, 2017.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Ohio Bobcats Odds Preview
In the Hilltoppers last game, they easily got past the Wright State Raiders, 78-60. Darius Thompson led Western Kentucky in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting. The Hilltoppers knocked down 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.593 (above their season average of 0.537).
The Bobcats are hoping for a better outcome after their 87-62 loss to the Maryland Terrapins in their last game. Mike Laster led Ohio in scoring with 14 points on 5-for-12 shooting. Maryland held the Bobcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.3 (below their season average of 22.2). Ohio, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.158).
Ohio could have trouble getting to the free throw line in this showdown. The Bobcats rank 257th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.220, while Western Kentucky ranks 16th in FTA rate allowed (0.168) dating back to last season.
Of Western Kentucky’s 6 games with betting action, three have finished over the O/U total, while 5 of Ohio’s 5 games have finished over the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Hilltoppers have a significant advantage. They are 6-2 SU and 5-1 ATS, while the Bobcats are 4-4 SU and 1-3-1 ATS.
The Hilltoppers won the only game against the Bobcats last season, 67-66. Western Kentucky had a much better free throw rate (0.305 vs. 0.131). Ohio, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.475 vs. 0.415).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Ohio Bobcats Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- Ohio ranks 77th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while Western Kentucky ranks 247th (18.2).
- The Bobcats rank 30th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 177th (14.4).
- Western Kentucky ranks 121st in rebounds allowed per game (34.5) while Ohio ranks 237th (37.9).
