Sam Houston State vs Western Kentucky Prediction 1/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Sam Houston Bearkats and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet Friday in college basketball action from Diddle Arena in Bowling Green. Here’s a Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Sam Houston Bearkats Betting Preview

The Bearkats went 5-2 over their first seven games with losses to Texas Tech and Utah. The wins otherwise came versus LeTourneau, Wyoming, Schreiner, Idaho State and Idaho. Since then it’s been a 3-2 run with losses to Oklahoma State and New Mexico State among wins over Texas Southern, Oregon State and College of Biblical Studies. That gives Sam Houston an 8-4 overall run over their first 12 outings.

In the College of Biblical Studies matchup on Sunday, the Bearkats entered the second half enjoying a comfortable lead 59-21. Sam Houston hit a 58-36 run the rest of the way in a 117-57 blowout win. Isaiah Manning led the way on 27 points with 10 rebounds. Matt Dann also doubled on 12 points and 15 rebounds while Jacob Walker added 24 points in the winning effort.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview

Over on the Western Kentucky side, they beat Tennessee Tech, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee State and Bethel TN before losses to Vanderbilt and South Florida. It’s been a 3-3 run since then with wins over Wichita State, Evansville and Campbellsville among losses to Marshall, Tulsa and Jacksonville State. That makes for a 7-5 overall record for the Hilltoppers this year.

Matched up against Jacksonville State in Monday’s game the Hilltoppers were down big 38-22 by halftime. Western Kentucky got better from there but still lost by double-digits 78-67. Armelo Boone led the team on 18 points with two rebounds and two assists. Teagan Moore also finished in double-figures with 17 points and six rebounds in 33 minutes of work during the loss.

Sam Houston State Bearkats @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Trends: January 2, 2026

Why the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will win

• Western Kentucky has won 16 of its last 17 day games at E. A. Diddle Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Sam Houston State has lost each of its last six road day games against the Conference USA.
• Sam Houston State has lost the first half in each of its last four road day games against the Conference USA.

Why the Sam Houston State Bearkats will win

• Sam Houston State has won five of its last six day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Western Kentucky has lost four of its last five games against the Conference USA.

Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky Prediction

I’ll try Western Kentucky here. The Hilltoppers need a good bounce-back effort after a flat outing versus Jacksonville State, though. Western Kentucky shot just 30.6 percent in that one with a 32-28 rebounding deficit and 14-of-21 (66.7 percent) from the line. WKU gave up 55.3 percent shooting from the field on the other side. Western Kentucky has been below 68 points in two of their last four games (a 1-3 run), so they’ve really got to get the scoring going quickly if they want to be competitive here.

As for Sam Houston, they didn’t have any issues with College of Biblical Studies, rolling to the blowout win with 55.7 percent shooting, 63 rebounds, 19 team assists, nine turnovers and a 62-12 advantage on points in the paint. The Bearkats have scored 77 or more points in every game this year so WKU is going to have to step on the gas.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -4.5