Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Western Kentucky vs Louisiana Tech NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Ruston.

Western Kentucky vs Louisiana Tech Prediction

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 over/under line for this matchup is currently at 148.5 points, and Louisiana Tech is favored by -5.5 to win at home against Western Kentucky.

Western Kentucky vs. Louisiana Tech Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Where: Ruston at Thomas Assembly Center
Date: Thursday, January 23rd
Betting Odds LOUTCH -5.5, WKENT +180 | LOUTCH -220 O/U 148.5

Hilltoppers Preview: Will the Hilltoppers Defense Show Up in Ruston?

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Recent Game/Games

Western Kentucky’s season record dropped to 9-7 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.

After leading 28-27 at halftime, WKU struggled in the second half, scoring just 29 points while allowing 44. The game’s total points of 128 fell well below the O/U line of 155.5.

Hilltoppers Offense Breakdown

Western Kentucky struggled offensively, scoring just 57 points with a field goal percentage of 33.3% in their last game. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.1%, and they hit only 5 of 25 three-point attempts, shooting 20% from beyond the arc.

Don McHenry led the team with 16 points, despite shooting 31.2% overall and 12.5% from three. Essam Mostafa contributed 11 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, hitting 55.6% of his shots.

Hilltoppers Team Defense

Western Kentucky's defense gave up 71 points in their last game, with their opponent shooting 47% from the field, hitting 26 of 55 shots. Inside the arc, they allowed 19 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Western Kentucky's defense saw their opponent make 7 of 21 attempts, a 33% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 12 shots, or 60%. Western Kentucky allowed 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Bulldogs Preview: Will the Bulldogs Come Through as Home Favorites?

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

The Bulldogs fell to 10-6 on the season after a narrow 78-76 road loss to Kennesaw State on Saturday. Entering the game as -2.5 favorites, Louisiana Tech not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 33-30 at halftime, the Bulldogs scored 46 points in the 2nd half but allowed 45 points, leading to the loss. The game’s total points of 154 exceeded the O/U line of 146.5.

Bulldogs Offense Breakdown

In their last game, Louisiana Tech put up 76 points, shooting 41.9% from the field. They connected on 40% of their three-point attempts, hitting 8 of 20 from deep, and finished 16 of 22 from the free-throw line, good for 72.7%. The Bulldogs grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists.

Simeon Cottle led the way with 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting, including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Daniel Batcho added 23 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 53.8% from the floor. Braedan Lue contributed 19 points, while Sean Newman Jr. handed out 7 assists.

Bulldogs Team Defense

Louisiana Tech's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 78 points on 49% shooting from the field. Their interior defense was particularly vulnerable, as they allowed 62% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 23 of 37 shots inside the arc.

From beyond the three-point line, Louisiana Tech 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 converted 17 free throws, shooting 68%. Louisiana Tech also gave up 13 offensive rebounds.

Hilltoppers vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

When looking at their past three road matchups, Western Kentucky has an ATS record of 1-2 while averaging 64 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
Across the Bulldogs last ten home games, the team averaged 69 points per game while allowing 70. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 5-5, while going 5-5 straight-up.
The last three games that Western Kentucky was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
Going back to their previous five games as the favorite, Louisiana Tech has an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.