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The Western Carolina Catamounts (2-3) face the No. 11 Marquette Golden Eagles (7-0) Saturday at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET (FS2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Western Carolina vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
Western Carolina faced a challenging non-conference slate and are coming off back-to-back losses to ACC teams. They recently suffered a 91-57 defeat as 20.5-point underdogs at Florida State Tuesday with the Over (145.5) hitting. They struggled offensively, shooting just 32.8% (21-for-64) from the field and Florida State racked up 15 steals to Western’s Carolina’s 6. Junior G Brandon Morgan led the Catamounts with 13 points.
The Golden Eagles remained perfect with a commanding 94-59 victory over Stonehill Wednesday, covering as 34.5-point home favorites for their fourth cover in a row. The Over (142.5) cashed, snapping a 2-game Under streak. Sharp shooting from beyond the arc (47.6%, 10-for-21) and a relentless defense that forced 18 Stonehill turnovers fueled the win. F David Joplin finished with 27 points and 7 rebounds, both game-highs.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll
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Western Carolina at Marquette odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 2:19 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Off the board
- Against the spread: Western Carolina +33.5 (-110) | Marquette -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Western Carolina at Marquette picks and predictions
Prediction
Marquette 90, Western Carolina 55
Moneyline
PASS.
The Golden Eagles are so heavily favored that BetMGM Sportsbook isn’t even offering a moneyline.
Against the spread
BET MARQUETTE -33.5 (-110).
Coach Shaka Smart has his Golden Eagles off to a strong start, navigating a challenging non-conference slate that includes wins over No. 12 Purdue, George Mason, Maryland and Georgia. The Golden Eagles are 6-1 ATS, including a 34.5-point line against Stoney Brook in a season-opening 102-62 rout. They have also won their last 11 non-conference home games at Fiserv Forum.
Joplin has been dominant, averaging 28.0 points over the last 2 games, showcasing versatility inside and out. G Kam Jones, the team’s leading scorer (19.8 points per game) gives Marquette a solid 1-2 punch. He is shooting an impressive 44.8% from beyond the arc.
Western Carolina, meanwhile, is 0-3 on the road, including losses to ACC foes Florida State and Wake Forest (82-69). Outmatched and unable to contain Marquette’s firepower, the Catamounts are unlikely to keep this one close.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 151.5 (-115).
I’m leaning toward the Under as the total feels too high. Marquette scored 94 against Stonehill but held the Skyhawks under 60. While that game went Over, the line was 9 points lower, making this number seem inflated.
Marquette’s defense ranks 43rd nationally — per NCAA.com — in points allowed per game (63.9) and thrives under Smart’s system.
Western Carolina, which averaged 60.0 points per game in its 3 contests with D-I opponents, hasn’t faced anything close to Marquette’s defensive intensity.
The Catamounts likely won’t crack 60, which should keep this game comfortably Under the total. The defensive disparity is simply too great.
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