Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Venue: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Broadcast: ESPN+
On Tuesday, the Kentucky Wildcats (5-0) aim to secure a victory against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2) at the Rupp Arena.
In their previous game, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers secured a solid win against Jackson State, with a final score of 79-62. The Hilltoppers boasted a shooting performance of 43.5% from the field (30 of 69) and a successful 14 of 31 from beyond the arc. At the free throw line, they made 5 of 8 attempts, translating to a 62.5% success rate. On the boards, Western Kentucky tallied a total of 41 rebounds, including 12 offensive grabs. They dished out 19 assists and forced their opponents into 16 turnovers, resulting in 13 steals. Defensively, the Hilltoppers held their opponent to a shooting percentage of 39.7% (23 of 58). Jackson State contributed with 11 assists and 6 steals but could only muster 31 rebounds (7 offensive, 24 defensive) without any blocks. The charity stripe was less kind to Jackson State, converting 8 of 12 attempts for 66.7%. They managed to hit 8 of their 25 three-point attempts while committing 10 fouls to the Hilltoppers’ 14.
Khristian Lander played a pivotal role in the game, contributing 15 points on an impressive 5 of 7 shooting in just 20 minutes. He recorded 2 rebounds and 1 assist while shooting 71.4% from the field.
Stay updated with all of our NCAA Basketball Picks Today!
With a season record of 3-2, Western Kentucky averages 81.0 points per game, ranking them 113th nationally. They maintain a field goal percentage of 44.0% and have converted 37.4% of their three-point attempts (49 of 131). From the charity stripe, the Hilltoppers shoot 69.9%. They average 41.0 rebounds and have recorded 75 assists, placing them 242nd in Division 1 for assists per game. The team turns the ball over 12.2 times per game and commits 16.2 personal fouls.
On the defensive side, the Hilltoppers force 15.0 turnovers per game while allowing 31.3% shooting from three-point range. They rank 223rd in points allowed per game (72.8). Opponents are shooting 40.3% against them, with the Hilltoppers giving up 39.2 rebounds per game and relinquishing 71 assists throughout the season, placing them 161st in the nation.
In their recent match, the Kentucky Wildcats emerged victorious over Jackson State with a resounding 108-59 win. They secured 35 defensive and 4 offensive rebounds for a total of 39. Kentucky recorded 10 turnovers yet managed to make 13 steals. The Wildcats had 10 free throw attempts, sinking 9 for an impressive 90.0%. They lit up the three-point line, converting 17 of 39 attempts (43.6%), and finished the game with a shooting percentage of 57.7% (41 of 71). Defensively, they limited Jackson State to a 33.3% shooting rate (23 of 69) while allowing 19.0% from beyond the arc (4 of 21) and 50.0% (9 of 18) at the free throw line. Jackson State managed to collect a total of 34 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive end.
Koby Brea was a standout for Kentucky, scoring 22 points in just 23 minutes on the court without any assists. He achieved a shooting percentage of 72.7% by hitting 8 of 11 attempts and grabbed 2 rebounds.
Kentucky boasts an undefeated record of 5-0 this season. They commit 14.0 fouls per game and shoot 75.6% from the free throw line. Leading the nation in assists, they average 21.8 assists per game while limiting turnovers to just 10.2. They have amassed 485 points this season for an average of 97.0 points per game. Kentucky also excels with a shooting percentage of 52.1%, ranking them 13th overall in college basketball.
Defensively, Kentucky is ranked 94th in Division 1 for points allowed, averaging 66.6 per game. They force 11.2 turnovers and limit opponents to a 37.4% shooting percentage (38th in Division 1). Their defensive efficiency includes 22.4% on three-pointers (30 of 134) and allows 66.2% from the free throw line. They concede 11.4 assists and 35.8 rebounds per game, which ranks them 112th and 223rd respectively in college basketball.
Free Prediction: Bet on Western Kentucky (+22.5)
