Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/23/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Hilltoppers versus the Bulldogs? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on CBSS. The game will be played at Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, LA. The odds for this Conference USA conference game currently have Louisiana Tech as the -5.5 point favorite with the over/under line sitting at 148.5 points.
WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS VS LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -5.5
This game will be played at Thomas Assembly Center at 7:00 ET on Thursday, January 23rd.
WHY BET THE LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Bulldogs.
- Not only will Louisiana Tech pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 148.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
No Pressure for Western Kentucky as Away Dogs
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Recent Game/Games
Western Kentucky fell to 9-7 on the season after a 71-57 road loss to Middle Tennessee on Saturday. The Hilltoppers entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.
Despite leading 28-27 at halftime, Western Kentucky struggled in the second half, scoring just 29 points while allowing 44. The game’s total points of 128 fell well short of the 155.5 O/U line.
Western Kentucky struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 33.3% from the field and 20% from beyond the arc, finishing with 57 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.1%, and they managed only 9 offensive rebounds and 9 assists.
Don McHenry led the team with 16 points, despite shooting 31.2% overall and 12.5% from three. Essam Mostafa contributed 11 points and dominated the boards with 18 rebounds, shooting 55.6% from the field.
Western Kentucky’s defense gave up 71 points in their previous game, with the opposing team shooting 47% from the field. They allowed 19 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, the opposition hit 7 of 21 three-pointers, shooting 33%. Western Kentucky also sent them to the line 20 times, where they made 12 free throws, shooting 60%. The Hilltoppers gave up 9 offensive rebounds.
Will the Bulldogs Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Recent Game/Games
The Bulldogs dropped to 10-6 on the season after a 78-76 road loss to Kennesaw State on Saturday. Louisiana Tech entered the game as -2.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 33-30 at halftime, the Bulldogs scored 46 points in the 2nd half but allowed 45 points. The total points for the game ended at 154, surpassing the O/U line of 146.5.
In their latest game, Louisiana Tech put up 76 points, shooting 41.9% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, hitting 8 of 20 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.4%, and they made 16 of 22 free throws, good for 72.7%.
The Bulldogs grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists. Simeon Cottle led the way with 25 points, shooting 66.7% overall and 50% from three. Daniel Batcho added 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Braedan Lue contributed 19 points.
Louisiana Tech’s defense struggled, giving up 78 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 49% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they gave up 23 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 62% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, the Bulldogs held their opponent to 25% shooting, with just 5 made threes on 20 attempts. However, they sent the other team to the free-throw line 25 times, where they hit 17 shots, and Louisiana Tech also gave up 13 offensive rebounds.