Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs FIU Golden Panthers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Hilltoppers and Golden Panthers. The game is starting at 2:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Golden Panthers at Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami, FL. Get ready to place your bets! Western Kentucky is favored by -6.5 in this Conference USA conference contest against FIU. The game’s over/under currently sits at 153.5 points.

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS VS FIU GOLDEN PANTHERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: FIU Golden Panthers +6.5

This game will be played at Ocean Bank Convocation Center at 2:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.

WHY BET THE FIU GOLDEN PANTHERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Golden Panthers.
• Not only will FIU pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +6.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 153.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.

Will the Hilltoppers Win in Miami?

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Recent Game/Games

Western Kentucky improved to 8-4 on the season with a 71-70 road win over Liberty on Thursday. The Hilltoppers were +10 underdogs but not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

After trailing 35-21 at halftime, Western Kentucky stormed back by scoring 50 points in the 2nd half while holding Liberty to 35. The game’s total points of 141 fell short of the 146.5 O/U line.

Western Kentucky put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 45.2% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.4%, with a 51.1% success rate on two-point attempts (23/45) and 29.4% from beyond the arc (5/17). They struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 52.6% (10/19).

Zach Cleveland and Julius Thedford both scored 18 points, with Cleveland adding 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Kaden Metheny contributed 17 points, connecting on 4 of 10 three-point attempts. Owen Aquino grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out 6 assists, while Tyrone Marshall Jr. was efficient, shooting 85.7% (6/7) from the field.

Western Kentucky’s defense gave up 70 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 43% from the field on 27 of 62 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 54% shooting, as the other team hit 19 of 35 two-point shots.

From three-point range, Western Kentucky held their opponents to 29% shooting, with 8 of 27 threes going in. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 8, shooting 50%. Western Kentucky allowed 7 offensive rebounds.

Will the Golden Panthers Win at Ocean Bank Convocation Center?

FIU Golden Panthers Recent Game/Games

FIU fell to 4-8 on the season after a 73-69 home loss to Middle Tennessee on Thursday. The Golden Panthers, who were +3.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 142 fell short of the O/U line of 150.

FIU led 35-32 at halftime but couldn’t hold on, allowing 41 points in the 2nd half while scoring 34. The loss adds to their struggles this season.

FIU’s offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 50.9% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 56.1%, and they hit 83.3% of their free throws, going 5 for 6 from the line.

Vianney Salatchoum led the way with 21 points, shooting 71.4% overall and hitting his only three-point attempt. Jlynn Counter added 17 points, shooting 75.0%, and Asim Jones contributed 15 points, shooting 66.7% from the field.

Despite FIU allowing 73 points, they struggled defensively, giving up 50% shooting from the field. The Golden Panthers allowed 54% shooting on two-point attempts, with their opponents hitting 23 of 42 shots.

From beyond the arc, FIU’s defense gave up 6 three-pointers on 15 attempts, a 40% clip. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 6 times, where they converted 5 for 83%.