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For the college basketball slate Thursday, I’m going to discuss the game on the mind of every bettor … Western Kentucky versus Eastern Kentucky. 

Those who don’t follow college hoops closely may not know about Western Kentucky, but it’s a dangerous team in Conference USA. Led by Dayvion McKnight, Jamarion Sharp, Khristian Lander, Dontaie Allen (a Kentucky transfer), and Emmanuel Akot (a Boise State transfer), the Hilltoppers are one of the most talented mid-major teams in the country. 

Eastern Kentucky finished 13-18 last season and must overhaul its roster with just four scholarship players returning. The Colonels have some talented newcomers, but they will be forced to play heavy minutes right away because of a lack of depth. 

Tip-off tonight will be at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Both of these teams like to play fast, ranking Top 100 in pace a season ago. The problem for Eastern Kentucky is Western Kentucky is bigger, deeper, more talented, and plays a similar style. It will be difficult for the Colonels to keep up for 40 minutes. 

McKnight and Sharp are two of the elite players in a loaded Conference USA. Look for McKnight to control the game with dribble penetration and the 7-foot-5 Sharp (Yes, 7-5) to dominate the undermanned Eastern Kentucky frontline. The Colonels were one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the country last year, so even if Western Kentucky isn’t shooting the lights out, the Hilltoppers will likely control the boards and get plenty of second-chance opportunities.

The projected line on KenPom was Western Kentucky -8. Anything in that range is worth backing the Hilltoppers. 

Western Kentucky -7.5 (BetMGM)