Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Prediction 1/11/25 College Basketball Picks

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Kennesaw State Owls

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Recent betting trends in games played between Kennesaw State and Western Kentucky

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky game

Kennesaw State Owls Betting Preview

The Owls’ season kicked off on a very nice run, but the team would hit a rough skid starting in late November. Kennesaw State opened things up with a 5-1 stretch featuring a lone loss to Cal Baptist. Otherwise, it was wins over Toccoa Falls, Bryan TN, Presbyterian, Abilene Christian, and Rutgers. A 2-4 stretch came after that with wins over only Towson and Georgia State. Otherwise, it was losses to UC Irvine, Kent State, Santa Clara, and San Jose State at that time. Kennesaw State would rebound with wins over Brewton-Parker and Jacksonville State in the next pair however, resulting in a 9-5 run over the first 14 games of the season.

In the Thursday matchup versus Middle Tennessee, the Owls were within four points at halftime 43-39 but couldn’t close the gap in the second. After a 41-40 run from there, Kennesaw State came away with an 84-79 loss in the end. Leading the team in scoring during the losing effort was Adrian Wooley with 24 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Simeon Cottle added 14 points, four assists, and three steals, while Andre Weir came off the bench to contribute 14 points and eight boards with one steal in 17 minutes of action on the floor.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview

Over on the Western Kentucky side, their year began with a middling stretch as well, but the team has played much better since then. The Hilltoppers lost to Wichita State, Grand Canyon, and Kentucky during a 3-3 start over the first six games. The wins otherwise were over Campbellsville, Lipscomb, and Jackson State. A win streak ensued over Marshall, Evansville, Tennessee State, Murray State, Seattle University, and Kentucky Wesleyan, then came a 1-2 run over the next trio. The lone win over that time was versus Liberty, lying between losses to Michigan and Florida International. The result was a 10-5 record over WKU’s first 15 outings.

In Thursday’s game with Jacksonville State, the Hilltoppers held a slim 27-24 edge by halftime. Western Kentucky faded in the second half on a 49-40 deficit, however, and eventually took the loss 73-67. Leading the team in scoring was Enoch Kalambay with 24 points, five boards, and one assist. Julius Thedford added 17 points with four rebounds, and Don McHenry chipped in with eight points, two steals, one assist, and one rebound in 27 minutes of action.

Why the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will win

• Western Kentucky has won each of its last 12 day games at E. A. Diddle Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Kennesaw State has lost each of its last three road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Kennesaw State has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against Conference opponents.

Why the Kennesaw State Owls will win

• Kennesaw State has won six of its last seven day games following a road loss.
• Western Kentucky has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Prediction

I’ll lean toward Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers could use a solid win here, and this is a good opportunity to get it. WKU shot a dismal 32.8 percent from the field with a 50-30 rebounding deficit in their last outing versus Jacksonville State, however, they only lost by six points thanks to a solid effort (17-of-21) from the line and just two total turnovers. The Hilltoppers are mired in a 1-3 stretch right now with fewer than 68 points in all three losses, however, it’s worth noting that there have been some tough matchups in that quartet. WKU should stand a much better chance here. Kennesaw State has 79 or more points in three straight, however, so the Hilltoppers will have to hit the gas on offense.