The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (20-13, 13-7 CUSA), 1-point underdogs, challenge the Old Dominion Monarchs (25-8, 15-5 CUSA) in the Conference USA Conference Tourney at Ford Center at The Star. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 128 points and it will air on CBS Sports Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs ATS Odds
The last time the Hilltoppers played, they easily covered the 3.5-point spread against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 70-59. The Monarchs, meanwhile, beat the UAB Blazers,61-59, but were not able to cover as 4-point favorites. The Western Kentucky game went 1 point over the projected point total of 128, while the Old Dominion game finished 5.5 points under the projected point total of 125.5.
Western Kentucky dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.471 (above their season average of 0.268) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.7 (above their season average of 28.8). For those same stats, Southern Miss had marks of 0.109 and 22.2, respectively. The Monarchs, on the other hand, had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 32.3), while the Blazers had a free throw rate of 0.120 (below their season average of 0.212). Xavier Green had a good outing for Old Dominion, contributing 21 points and five rebounds. Western Kentucky, meanwhile, received a boost from Charles Bassey, who put up 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Games featuring the Hilltoppers have a tendency to go under the O/U total (59.4 percent). Western Kentucky holds records of 20-13 straight up (SU) and 20-12 against the spread (ATS).
Much like Western Kentucky, Monarchs games also have typically finished under the total (59.4 percent). Old Dominion is 25-8 SU, but they are just 13-19 ATS.
Old Dominion may have difficulty getting to the charity stripe in this battle. The Monarchs currently rank 303rd in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.196, while Western Kentucky ranks 18th in FTA rate allowed (0.176).
Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Old Dominion ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Western Kentucky ranks 146th (3.6).
- The Monarchs rank 37th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 142nd (13.1).
- Old Dominion ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Western Kentucky ranks 98th (6.0).
- The Monarchs rank 123rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.7) while the Hilltoppers rank 246th (24.8).
- Old Dominion ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (39.1) while Western Kentucky ranks 139th in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hilltoppers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Monarchs are 0-5.
- In their last five games, Western Kentucky has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Old Dominion has 5 unders.
- The Hilltoppers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 2.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Monarchs have scored an average of 57.0 points per game (9.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.4 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
