Sam Houston Bearkats vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Picks and Prediction for Friday, January 2nd, 2026
E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, KY, will host a Conference USA matchup Friday afternoon as the Sam Houston Bearkats visit the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and we have you ready to roll with our Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky Prediction. Sam Houston has won three of their last four overall after moving to an easy 60-point win in their previous game of 2025. Western Kentucky opens 2026 on Friday afternoon, riding a 2-game losing streak after a 9-point loss in their last outing, in which the Hilltoppers failed to cover the 2-point spread. In two matchups last season, both teams won at least 10 games in the series. Read more about this Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
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Sam Houston Looking for First Conference Win
The Sam Houston Bearkats picked up their third win in four games with a 60-point victory a few days after Christmas. Sam Houston improved to 8-4 on the year but is currently winless in conference play with a 0-1 record. Sam Houston was in complete control of their last game, breaking a 2-2 tie with a 7-0 run as the Bearkats never looked back. Sam Houston remained in power for the entirety of the first half, carrying a 38-point lead into the break. Sam Houston extended the lead in the second half, 20 minutes, 58-36, resulting in the 60-point victory.
The Bearkats shot 56% from the floor in their last outing and knocked down 12 of 30 from beyond the arc. Sam Houston was clearly the better team defensively, allowing 57 points on 28% shooting, and the Bearkats won the rebounding battle by 41. Jacob Walker led the Sam Houston starters with 24 points on 17 shots and 34 minutes. Isaiah Manning led all Sam Houston players with 27 points on 16 shots and 25 minutes off the bench. For the season, Sam Houston is averaging 88.1 points on 46% from the floor, and their offense ranks 35th in the country. Isaiah Manning is one of four players for Sam Houston in double figures, leading the team, averaging 12.2 points per game. Kashie Natt averages 11.8 points, and Po’Boigh King is third on the team, averaging 10.7 points per game.
Key Injury Report for Sam Houston:
Chiekh Ndiaye (Arm) – Out
Nathan Nguyen (Undisclosed) – Out
Noah Benny (Undisclosed) – Out
Western Kentucky Looks to End Recent Skid
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers continue their struggles, last time out losing their third game in the previous four played, including 2 in a row following the loss to Jacksonville State. Western Kentucky fell to 7-5 on the year with its loss to Jacksonville State and is currently winless in conference play, at 0-1. Against Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky struggled from the tip as the Gamecocks outscored the Hilltoppers 38- 22 in the first half of play. Western Kentucky bounced back in the second half, winning the final 20 minutes 45-40, but the first-half deficit proved insurmountable. Defensively, Western Kentucky allowed Jacksonville State to score 78 points on 55% shooting, and the Gamecocks knocked down nine triples. Offensively, Western Kentucky never found its groove, scoring 67 points on 31% shooting from the floor. The Hilltoppers did win the rebounding battle by 9, but turned the ball over 11 times in the loss.
The Western Kentucky offense has been the team's biggest strength this season, ranking 84th in the country, averaging just over 83 points on 42% shooting from the floor. The Hilltoppers' defense has been their downfall, ranking 268th in the country, allowing 76.9 points as opponents shoot better than 42.1%. The Western Kentucky offense has three players averaging double figures, led by Teagan Moore, averaging 17.3 points and a team-leading 2.7 assists. Armelo Boone and Grant Newell are the second and third leading scorers on the roster, as both averaged at least 11.5 points per game.
Key Injury Report for Western Kentucky:
Terrion Murdix (Knee) – Out
Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,976.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +2,595.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +2,320.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,627.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,451.00 |
Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky Spread Pick
Sam Houston +4.5 (4 Units)
Sam Houston is the hotter team in this game coming into Friday, having won 3 of the last four overall, following their 117-point explosion the previous time out. Western Kentucky has struggled as of late, losing 3 of the past 4 and 5 of the past 8 overall. Sam Houston has the higher-ranked offense and the better defense to carry them on Friday on the road. Sam Houston is the more balanced team and has more scorers in double figures. The Bearkats also have the better production off the bench, giving them the edge on Friday on the road. Take the Bearkats to cover, as the outright win is realistic.
Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky Over/Under Pick
- Over 163.5 (4 Units)
This game is tailor-made for points in bunches, as both teams rank in the top 90 in the country in scoring, each averaging well above 80 points per game. Each defense has had its troubles this season, and each allows at least 74.8 points per game. Sam Houston comes into Friday having seen the over in 7 of their last 9, while Western Kentucky has seen the over in 6 of their previous 10. With Western Kentucky's defensive struggles as of late, they will likely look to outscore Sam Houston. Look for each team to light it up Friday night in conference play. Take the Over Friday as each team looks for its first conference win of the year.
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