Western Kentucky -6
Playing Florida International. The Hilltoppers are dedicating the name of their home court in a special ceremony to Hilltopper legend, John Oldham. Why does this matter? College games are based more on emotion than pro games are. There will be a bigger crowd there than normal for the ceremony. This will more than likely drive up the intensity of the home team. Intensity= tougher defense. WKU leads the Sun Belt Conference and ranks 46th in the nation in rebounding margin already. I see a lower shooting percentage by FIU, and more shots by WKU.
The combined record of the five teams that have defeated WKU in 2012-13 is 48-12 (Southern Miss, 8-4; Iowa, 11-2; Murray State, 9-2; VCU, 9-3; Louisville, 11-1). FIU is 4-5. It's definitely an ML win, and I'm will to risk the 6 points.