Sam Houston St. Bearkats vs
Western Kentucky HilltoppersPredictions & Preview

Bearkats vs. Hilltoppers: Western Kentucky Faces Off Against Sam Houston State in Thursday Night Showdown

In this upcoming Thursday night matchup, Sam Houston State will face off against Western Kentucky in a hardwood contest in the Bluegrass State. Both teams are coming off losses in their previous games, with Sam Houston State failing to cover the spread against Kennesaw State and Western Kentucky losing outright to Middle Tennessee. The all-time series between the teams favors the Bearkats, but the Hilltoppers earned a road win in their first matchup earlier this season. Western Kentucky is currently the betting favorite at -3.5 and the line has remained steady. Stay tuned for our prediction on this exciting game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bearkats +140 | Hilltoppers -170
• Spread: Bearkats +3.5 (-110) | Hilltoppers -3.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 153 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Western Kentucky will win straight-up is 63%.

Sam Houston St. vs Western Kentucky Stats

Sam Houston St. Bearkats

Sam Houston State earned their second consecutive victory after a seven-game losing streak by defeating Kennesaw State at home. With a 10-16 overall record and standing ninth in Conference USA with a 3-10 conference mark this season, the Bearkats showcased a strong performance against Kennesaw State. Led by Lamar Wilkerson's 25 points, Sam Houston State shot 53.2% from the field, including six of 17 from three-point range, and went 22 of 33 at the free-throw line. The team is currently ranked 133rd in scoring offense, averaging 75.7 points per game, but struggles defensively as they allow an average of 75.8 points per game. Despite missing key players like Dorian Finister and Kian Scroggins due to personal reasons, the Bearkats have shown promise with their shooting percentages, especially from beyond the arc. They have room for improvement in terms of defensive statistics but are making strides towards a successful season under coach Kelvin Sampson.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Analysis

Western Kentucky suffered a tough loss to Middle Tennessee, marking their third consecutive defeat. The team currently holds an 8th place standing in Conference USA with a 5-7 record in conference play. Despite a strong effort from Dom McHenry, who led the team with 20 points, the Hilltoppers struggled shooting, hitting only 38% from the field and 8 of 28 from three-point range. On the season, Western Kentucky averages 77.8 points per game, ranking 89th in the nation in scoring offense. The team is below average defensively, allowing 75.7 points per game. Babacar Faye and Julius Thedford, both averaging in double figures, are out due to injuries. Overall, the Hilltoppers have a power ranking of 192, ranking 88th in offense and 278th in defense. Their performance in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, three-point percentage, rebounds, and turnovers are all within average ranges.

Contrasting Strengths and Weaknesses Make for Exciting Matchup Between Sam Houston State and Western Kentucky

Both teams excel in different aspects of the game, demonstrating strength on offense and weakness on defense. Sam Houston State displays skill in perimeter shooting but struggles with scoring inside the arc. Conversely, Western Kentucky showcases solid defensive statistics but often face challenges due to their fast-paced playing style. The Hilltoppers hold a strong home record of 11-3 this season, whereas the Bearkats have struggled on the road with a 2-12 record. Although Sam Houston State has recently shown promise with two consecutive wins, their historical performance on the road is lacking. With these factors in mind, it is likely that Western Kentucky will have the advantage in this matchup as they utilize their rapid tempo to secure a victory.

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