We could be in for a potential upset when No. 15 Western Kentucky (22-11) takes on No. 2 Marquette (25-9) this Friday afternoon. A 15 has defeated a 2 in each of the last three tournaments, and the Golden Eagles look somewhat vulnerable coming into their meeting with the Hilltoppers.
Regardless of the final outcome, all users can win at DraftKings Sportsbook. Tap the link to sign up today and you’ll get $150 in bonus bets to put toward March Madness once you place a $5 bet on any game.
See all the details of this offer and find out why we’re putting Marquette on upset alert below.
No. 15 Western Kentucky vs. No. 2 Marquette Odds
- Spread: Western Kentucky +14.5 (-110) • Marquette -14.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Western Kentucky (+800) • Marquette (-1350)
- Total: Over 158 (-112) • Under 158 (-108)
Marquette is a massive 14.5-point favorite over Western Kentucky, which is understandable given each team’s seeding. The Golden Eagles finished among the AP top 10 and earned a No. 2 spot thanks to their impressive play in the Big East.
The Over/Under is listed at 158 points, which may be a bit too low considering how fast the Hilltoppers play. Western Kentucky ranks No. 1 in KenPom’s adjusted tempo rating.
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette Prediction
The 15-2 matchup has become a dangerous spot for higher-seeded teams in recent years, with lesser programs like Princeton and Saint Peter’s securing victories en route to surprisingly deep runs in 2023 and 2022. Could Western Kentucky become the next team to shock the world?
What makes the Hilltoppers so dangerous is their tempo. They love to get out in transition and attack the paint, ranking 25th in two point attempts and seventh in defensive rebounds per game. Western Kentucky has also done well to defend the perimeter, limiting opponents to 31.6% shooting from three-point range.
Health could also be an issue for Marquette. Standout guard Tyler Kolek hasn’t played since Feb. 28, and although he’s expected to return for Round 1, it’s hard to say if he’ll be at full strength. The Golden Eagles don’t play too deep into their bench, so if he were to re-injure himself, they could be in trouble.
If this one ends up favoring the Hilltoppers’ pace, we could be in for a massive upset.
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette Best Bets
Western Kentucky (+800) vs Marquette
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
This value is too good to pass up. Western Kentucky knows how it wants to play, and if it sticks to its game plan against Marquette, it can dictate the pace and operate at its preferred speed.
The Golden Eagles stumbled down the stretch by going 3-3 in their final six games, which has them looking like one of the more vulnerable top-seeded teams in the tourney. Don’t rule out the upset.
Over 158 Points (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Regardless of the outcome, this should be a high-scoring game. We know the Hilltoppers play fast, but Marquette boasts a top-25 offense and top-90 tempo, per KenPom, so it could have an efficient performance as well.
Western Kentucky vs. Marquette: Best Betting Promo
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Whether you win or lose, DraftKings will credit your account with six bonus bets worth $25 each. These bonus tokens don’t hold any cash value, but they can be used in place of real money to bet on any game. The bonus funds won’t be included in the payout, but any additional winnings will be yours to keep.
Because you get your bonus either way, the best way to bet Western Kentucky vs. Marquette is by taking the Hilltoppers moneyline. At (+800), a $5 bet would return $45 on top of the $150 bonus.
