The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-2) clash against the Wright State Raiders (4-3) at E.A. Diddle Arena. The game gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Western Kentucky is a 9-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 138.5 points.
Wright State Raiders at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Free Prediction
In the Raiders’ last game, they defeated the Fairfield Stags, 57-56. Wright State’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Fairfield. The Raiders had a rate of 0.170 (matching their season average), while the Stags posted a mark of 0.091 (below their season average of 0.223). Loudon Love played a pivotal role for Wright State with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Hilltoppers dismantled the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in their last contest, 83-51. The Hilltoppers had a better free throw rate (0.083 vs. 0.018) and had a turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 17.5). Lamonte Bearden was the top scorer from either team with 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
Western Kentucky might struggle to put up points as they square off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Dating back to last season, Wright State ranks 79th in defensive efficiency while the Hilltoppers rank 190th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Raiders rank 38th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.292), while the Hilltoppers rank fourth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.169).
Wright State holds records of 4-3 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Raiders’ 6 games that accepted bets, five have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Western Kentucky owns records of 5-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. Similarly to Wright State, Hilltoppers games also have a tendency to go under the total (60.0 percent).
Wright State Raiders vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Western Kentucky, ATS Winner – Wright State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Wright State ranks 126th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while Western Kentucky ranks 286th (18.2).
The Raiders rank 87th in assists allowed per game (12.2) while the Hilltoppers rank 235th (14.4).
Western Kentucky ranks 146th in blocks per game (3.3) while Wright State ranks 267th (2.1).
The Raiders rank 179th in steals per game (5.9) while the Hilltoppers rank 256th (5.1).
