Is 14.5 too much to lay in Friday afternoon’s Western Kentucky vs. Marquette matchup? Tip-off for this NCAA Tournament contest is set for 2:00 p.m. ET.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
767 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+14.5) vs. 768 Marquette Golden Eagles (-14.5); o/u 158.5
2:00 p.m. ET, Friday, March 22, 2024
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: TBS
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette: Bettors Backing Underdog
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 58% of public bettors are currently backing Western Kentucky when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Allen DNP against UTEP
Dontaie Allen (knee) did not play during Western Kentucky’s game Saturday against UTEP. Allen sat out the 2024 Conference USA Tournament Final. Fortunately for him, his teammates got the job done against UTEP, advancing WKU to a first-round NCAA tournament game against No. 2 Marquette. All hands are on deck for Allen’s availability then Friday afternoon.
Kolek Expected to be available Friday
Tyler Kolek (oblique) is expected to be available to face Western Kentucky on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports. Kolek has not played since Feb. 28, meaning he missed the entire Big East Tournament, where the team finished in second place. Having Kolek back should provide a huge boost for Marquette, as he averaged 15.0 points, 7.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in his senior year. He posted career-best marks in each of those three categories.
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette CBB Betting Trends
Under is 11-5 in Golden Eagles last 16 games following a ATS loss
Under is 20-8 in Golden Eagles last 28 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600
Over is 5-1 in Hilltoppers last 6 overall
Over is 5-1 in Hilltoppers last 6 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette CBB Prediction:
Take Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are 8-1 against the spread in their last nine NCAA Tournament games, are 4-0 against the number in their last four games overall and are 7-0 at the betting window in their last seven NCAA Tournament games as an underdog. On the other side, the Golden Eagles are 1-4-1 against the spread in their last six NCAA Tournament games as a favorite and are 1-5 against the number in their last six NCAA Tournament games overall.
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette College Hoops Prediction: WESTERN KENTUCKY +14.5
