The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-11) clash with the Marquette Golden Eagles (25-9) Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The 15-seed Western Kentucky beat UTEP 78-71 Saturday to win the Conference USA title. They were just 8-8 in conference play and were on a 4-game losing streak before winning the conference tournament. Junior G Don McHenry leads the team with 15.2 PPG, and he shot 37.1% from downtown. They didn’t face a ranked team this year.
Marquette, No. 8 in the , fell to No. 2 UConn in the Big East title game Saturday 73-57. The 2nd-seeded Golden Eagles were 14-6 in conference play. They were 4-5 against ranked opponents this season, and they are battle tested. Junior G Kam Jones leads them with 16.8 PPG, and he’s shooting a career-high 41.1% from distance. He averaged 18 PPG in 3 Big East Tournament games.
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