The conference season didn’t start off well for Liberty.
The Flames (14-2 overall, 2-1 Conference USA) dropped their first CUSA game of the season in a 71-70 loss to Western Kentucky. They led by as much as 16 in the second half. Since then, they’ve finished their last two games strong and have knocked off Middle Tennessee and Sam Houston.
The early conference slate hasn’t been as kind to LA Tech, who lost to UTEP by 10 and New Mexico State by 30(!) before knocking off Florida International on Thursday.
The Bulldogs (12-4, 1-2) are playing below expectations so far this season, so we’ll see if they show up against what’s been the best team in the league.
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Liberty at Louisiana Tech Betting Odds
Liberty is a 1.5-point college basketball odds favorite on BetMGM against Louisiana Tech while the Over/Under is at 131.5.
The Moneyline for Liberty is at -115 and at -105 for Louisiana Tech.
Liberty at Louisiana Tech On TV
The matchup between Liberty and Louisiana Tech will be televised on ESPNU.
Tonight’s game tips off at 8 p.m. ET.
Liberty at Louisiana Tech Prediction
I predict Liberty to cover the 1.5-point spread and for the total to go over 131.5 points.
The Flames have been one of the most efficient offenses in the country this season.
According to KenPom, their effective field goal percentage is 58.6%, which ranks sixth in Division I. They also rank 10th in effective 3-point field goal percentage (39.7%) and 31st on shots inside the arc (57.4%).
Not only that, but Liberty has the best defense in the league, allowing just 59.9 points per game. There’s a reason the Flames are the favorite to win the CUSA regular-season title. They’re well-coached, play great on both sides of the ball, and have the best frontcourt in the conference in Zach Cleveland and Owen Aquino.
But the Flames will be going up against the preseason player of the year here in Daniel Batcho. Batcho is averaging 18.1 points per contest and his 75% shooting percentage is by far the top mark in the conference. He’ll be a handful for Cleveland, Aquino, and probably Isaiah Ihnen, who will have a shot at guarding him. But I think that Liberty will do enough to limit him and keep him from doing a significant amount of damage.
The Bulldogs lost forward Will Jeffress to a season-ending injury earlier this season, which was a huge blow and I think has been critical in the Bulldogs’ slow start to conference play.
LA Tech is still one of the best teams in the league, however, and has still shown promise on defense even though their offense has been stagnant at times this season. It is allowing 67.7 points per game and will need to be stout if it wants a chance to knock off the Flames.
The win against FIU was clearly much needed for the Bulldogs, but I still don’t think it gave them the boost or motivation they’ll need to pick up a win here.
I believe Liberty is just a better team and has more depth and experience, which could make its presence felt down the stretch in this game and down the stretch in conference play. I expect them to hit enough shots and free throws late to push this game over and cover.
Liberty is 10-3 against the spread this season and 5-1 ATS on the road. LA Tech is 8-4-1 ATS and 3-1 as an underdog. The over is 6-7 for both teams.
