Sam Houston State Bearkats (12-9) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-6)
February 1, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -3.5; Over/Under: +154
(Get latest betting odds)
The Sam Houston State Bearkats and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet in college basketball action from the E.A. Diddle Arena on Thursday night. Who comes out ahead in this C-USA clash? Let’s dive in and find out with our Sam Houston State vs. Western Kentucky Prediction.
Sam Houston State Team Preview
The Sam Houston State Bearkats come into this one looking to build on back-to-back wins after a 60-56 win over UTEP last time out. Lamar Wilkerson leads the Bearkats in scoring with 15 PPG and 3.3 RPG while Davon Barnes has 13.9 PPG with 3.6 RPG as the only other double-digit scorer for Sam Houston so far this year. Damon Nicholas Jr. has 7.5 PPG with 5.9 RPG to lead the Bearkats on the glass while Souleymane Doumbia has 6.9 PPG with 5.8 RPG. Jaden Ray also has 6.6 PPG with a team-high 4 APG to lead the Bearkats in the assist department this season. As a team, Sam Houston State is averaging 71.5 PPG on 40.8% shooting from the field, 32.5% from three and 71.2% from the foul line this season.
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Western Kentucky Team Preview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers come into this game hoping to build on a 105-91 win over FIU last time out. Don McHenry leads the Hilltoppers in scoring and assists with 14.8 PPG and 2.8 APG along with 3.6 RPG while Brandon Newman has 10.7 PPG and a team-high 6.3 RPG to lead the Hilltoppers in rebounding and Khristian Lander has 10.1 PPG with 2.6 APG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Western Kentucky so far this season. Tyrone Marshall Jr. and Rodney Howard each have 9+ PPG and 4.5+ RPG as well on the year. As a team, Western Kentucky is averaging 80.6 PPG on 46.7% shooting from the field, 33.7% from three and 68.4% from the foul line this season.
Sam Houston State vs. Western Kentucky Prediction
I’m on Western Kentucky here. I just think the Hilltoppers are the better team here and being at home has been a clear edge for WKU this season. Sam Houston’s gotten off to a nice start to their C-USA tenure, but in the end I think WKU is the more complete team and find a way to get it done here. Give me Western Kentucky at home.
