The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-0) make the trip to Kansas to battle the Wichita State Shockers (1-0). The Shockers have a point spread of -6.5 (-110), indicating they are slightly favored.

The Hilltoppers are coming off of a 90-64 win over the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. While the first half was close, the Hilltoppers had a 55-point second half to spark their way to a win.

They are currently in first place in the CUSA, where they finished sixth a year ago. Their record last season was 17-16, so they have some work to do in order to find success this year.

Despite putting up 90 points in their first game, they averaged 71.4 last year and ranked 183^rd in the nation. Their efficiency with the ball ranked 204^th, with a rating of 103.5.

If they continue their defense and hold teams to around 64 points, they should be in great shape. They allowed teams to put up 70.6 points a game last year, which ranked 196^th in the nation. Their efficiency on the defensive end ranked 193^rd in the nation, with a rating of 102.4.

Wichita State Shockers Betting Preview

The Shockers will attempt to win a second-straight game after their recent 76-59 win over the Lipscomb Bisons. They came out with a commanding 44-31 first half and were able to coast to victory.

This recent win put them ahead in the American conference. Last season, they finished with a 17-15 record and sixth in the AAC with a 9-9 record. This will be one of their main goals to improve from last year.

With their first game under their belt, they scored 76 points, which is not far from the 71.0 (190^th) they averaged last year. Their efficiency might improve from last year, as they had a rating of 103.1 (212^th).

They allowed 59 points, but teams averaged 68.5 last year (127^th). Their efficiency in slowing teams down had a rating of 99.5 (110^th). Based on their first game, they have a great opportunity to improve upon their previous season.

MyBookie’s odds insist that the Wichita State Shockers are slightly favored to win. According to market analysis, the Shockers have an 84.0 percent chance at victory.

The Hilltoppers had a great first game, but you must consider their strength of schedule and why they scored 90 points. The Shockers’ defense will likely pull through and keep them at a safe distance.