Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/26/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Hilltoppers and Wildcats. The game is starting at 6:30 ET on ESPNU, and it’s hosted by the Wildcats at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 164.5 points, and Kentucky is favored by -23 at home against Western Kentucky.

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS VS KENTUCKY WILDCATS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +23

This game will be played at Rupp Arena at 6:30 ET on Tuesday, November 26th.

WHY BET THE WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Wildcats.
• Even though we have Kentucky winning straight-up, we like Western Kentucky at +23.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 164.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Is an Upset Waiting to Happen on the Road?

Western Kentucky improved to 3-1 on the season with a 79-62 win over Jackson State on Wednesday. The Hilltoppers were -15.5 point favorites and covered the spread with the win. The O/U line was set at 152.5, but the teams combined for 141 points.

Western Kentucky led 40-28 at halftime and continued to control the game, scoring 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34 points to Jackson State.

Western Kentucky’s offense put up 79 points in their last game, shooting 43.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.6%, thanks in large part to hitting 14 of 31 threes, good for 45.2%. They struggled inside, converting just 42.1% of their two-point attempts.

The Hilltoppers dished out 19 assists and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds. Khristian Lander was a standout from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 5 threes, while Tamarion Hoover connected on 4 of 7 from deep, finishing with 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting overall.

Western Kentucky’s defense gave up 62 points, allowing the opposing team to shoot 43% from the field on 30/69 shooting. They held the team to 42% shooting on two-pointers, with 16/38 made.

From beyond the arc, the opposing team shot 45%, hitting 14/31 threes. Western Kentucky also sent them to the free-throw line 8 times, where they made 5 for 62%. The defense allowed 13 offensive rebounds.

Can Kentucky Pull Off a Home Win?

Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game

Kentucky cruised to a 108-59 victory over Jackson State on Friday, November 22nd. Playing at home, the Wildcats entered the game as -36 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game hit 167, surpassing the O/U line of 156.5.

Kentucky led 54-30 at halftime and maintained their offensive and defensive performance in the 2nd half, scoring another 54 points while allowing just 29.

Kentucky’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 108 points while shooting 57.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 70.4%, thanks to 75% shooting on two-pointers and 43.6% from beyond the arc, hitting 17 threes. They also connected on 90% of their free throws, going 9-for-10.

The Wildcats dished out 29 assists, with Koby Brea leading the way with 22 points on 5-of-8 shooting from deep. Otega Oweh added 21 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 66.7% from the field.

Despite Kentucky’s defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 59 points. The Wildcats allowed a 57% shooting performance, with 41 made field goals on 71 attempts.

Inside the arc, Kentucky gave up 24 baskets on 32 attempts, a 75% shooting rate. From three-point range, their opponent hit 17 of 39 shots, good for 43%. Kentucky also sent them to the line 10 times, where they made 9 free throws.