Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-11) vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (25-9)
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles 3/22/24 – As the excitement for March Madness intensifies, the upcoming clash between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Marquette Golden Eagles on Friday, is one of the most anticipated matchups. This game is a pivotal moment for both teams as they aim for glory in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. Fans and bettors alike are keen on making their March Madness picks today, with both teams showing promising potential to advance further in the competition.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers post an average of 80.6 points per game. The squad shooting has been the Chief Cornerstone of their tactics. It is shown by their 46.8% field goal percentage and a 34% three-point shooting rate. Plus, the Hilltoppers rebound well with an average of 39.8 per game thus showcasing their prowess on both the offense and the defense. Demonstrating a nasty style of play, the Warriors are ranked 15th in steals (7.7) and 2nd in blocks (3.2), which makes defending and passing easy for them.
In contrast, the Marquette Golden Eagles have averaged 78.3 points per game along with field goal percentage at 47.8% while they are additionally a more considerable challenge from the three-point range where they hit 35.8% of their attempts. This strictness is seen on their field with a lower number of turnovers (9.9 per game) and a dual defensive effort, where the 8.6 steals and 3.2 blocks ensure that it remains competitive in every part of the game.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Game Info
| When: | Friday, March 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| TV: | TBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Don McHenry (Guard) vs. Kam Jones (Guard)
Don McHenry has been the key factor of the the Western Kentucky’s success providing vital support in a variety of areas. McHenry played every game of the 33 and he averages 27.7 minutes, 15.2 points and leads with 46.6 % range shooting from the field. He is efficient from the free-throw line (85.9%) and outside the arc (37.1%). Also his versatility threatens opposition.
Kam Jones of the Marquette Golden Eagles has completed 33 games, and he has been able to surpass his colleagues with 16.8 points per game and a very impressive 49.8% shooting efficiency. His 41.1% three-point shooting adds to the variable of offensive strategy of Marquette. Jones’s forte lies in maintaining a lower turnover rate (1.3 per game) including 1.2 steals and focuses on his versatility and his indispensability to the success of Marquette team.
When McHenry and Jones interlock on the court their performance will not stand for their outstanding skills only but also for tempo and strategy of their teams too. Throughout this matchup between these two guards, there is laid down a broader dispute among the offensive strategy, defensive power and leadership of which, their battle is one of the highlights of this game.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Marquette Golden Eagles -1350, Total Odds: 158.5
The current betting odds and point spreads highlight the Marquette Golden Eagles as the heavy favorites, with a -14 point spread suggesting a significant confidence in their ability to secure a comfortable victory. However, the tight betting odds for total points (158.5) indicate an expectation for a high-scoring affair, reflecting both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Trends
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have displayed a resilient form recently, with a 3-2 record in their last five matches and a good ATS record (4-1), which adds up to earning a right to a potential upset. Their loyalty in scoring high no matter where the field and being able to surprise most of the time (8-6 against the spread in road games) makes them a unique underdog.
Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Trends
The Marquette Golden Eagles have also matched the competitive spirit as they established a 3-2 mark in their last five contests and mirror this with a 3-2 mark against the spread in the same period. The similarity between their spread performance (7-7) at home and on the road serves as a proof of their consistency and ability to play under any circumstances.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles 3/22/24 Betting Picks
In view of these data and trends, the present contest is a classic underdog playing against the favorite. Western Kentucky’s knack for keeping games close and high-scoring, even against highly formidable opponents, implies they could cover the spread. Their tenacity offensively and reliance on their strengths in the course of the game make them a good option for bettors against the spread.
Considering this sports handicapping option, it acts as an influential factor to Western Kentucky covering the point spread, based on their recent history against the spread and Marquette’s inconsistent offensive output. The aggregate total of OVER can be reasonably expected from both team’s patterns of playing high-scoring games, especially in this tense March Madness tournament.
Free Pick and Prediction: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 75, Marquette Golden Eagles 85.