The Belmont Bruins (8-1) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-5) at Curb Event Center. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Belmont Bruins Free Prediction
The Hilltoppers are trying to rebound after their 73-55 loss to the No. 25 Washington Huskies in their last outing. Washington’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Western Kentucky. The Huskies had a rate of 9.8, while the Hilltoppers posted a mark of 21.0. Charles Bassey had a good outing for Western Kentucky, finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The last time the Bruins played, they were victorious over the Illinois State Redbirds, 100-89. The Bruins had a better free throw rate (0.169 vs. 0.083) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 21.1). With 13 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, Grayson Murphy had a solid game for Belmont.
The Bruins won the only game against the Hilltoppers last season, 75-72. Belmont had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.589 vs. 0.462). Western Kentucky, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (6.6 vs. 15.2).
Taveion Hollingsworth has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Western Kentucky.
The high-octane offense of Belmont will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Western Kentucky. Dating back to last season, the Bruins rank 44th in offensive efficiency, while the Hilltoppers are 259th in defensive efficiency. The Bruins should have the edge on that side of the ball. Also, the Hilltoppers rank 19th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.291), while the Bruins rank 51st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.195).
Western Kentucky at Belmont ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Western Kentucky, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Belmont ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (30.0) while Western Kentucky ranks 265th (15.4).
The Bruins rank third in assists per game (17.1) while the Hilltoppers rank 196th (13.1).
Belmont ranks sixth in rebounds per game (36.4) while Western Kentucky ranks 133rd (35.8).
The Bruins rank 18th in blocks per game (3.1) while the Hilltoppers rank 139th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Western Kentucky averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 42nd in the NCAA. Belmont ranks 74th in steals allowed per game (6.1).
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