Western Kentucky Tops Louisiana Tech in Close Matchup
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 66, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 66-61 at E.A. Diddle Arena on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In an intense matchup at E.A. Diddle Arena, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers secured a narrow victory against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, finishing the game with a score of 66-61. This result marked a significant moment for Western Kentucky, who improved their home record to 6-3 this season. The Hilltoppers have been displaying a mixed bag of performances lately, holding a 5-5 record in their last ten games, but they managed to snap a two-game losing streak with this win, showcasing their ability to bounce back after recent setbacks.
Western Kentucky's recent form has seen them average 83.4 points scored per game while allowing 78.3, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Their last five games yielded an average of 82.6 points scored and 77.4 points allowed, reflecting their offensive capabilities. In their most recent game prior to facing Louisiana Tech, they defeated the Sam Houston Bearkats 102-91, a game that highlighted their scoring prowess. In contrast, Louisiana Tech has struggled on the road, finishing their away record at 0-4 this season. They have averaged 70.1 points scored and 59.8 points allowed in their last ten games, indicating a more defensive approach that has not translated well in away contests.
The Bulldogs entered this game with a 6-4 record in their last ten outings but were coming off a tough loss to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, where they were defeated 51-88. This defeat underscored their struggles, particularly in away games, as they have not yet found success outside their home venue. Louisiana Tech’s recent form has seen them average 66.8 points scored and 58.6 points allowed in their last five games, which reflects a more conservative scoring strategy.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the two teams were evenly matched historically, with a record of 1-1 in their previous meetings during the 2025 season. Western Kentucky won their last encounter on February 23, 2025, with a close score of 64-63, while Louisiana Tech claimed victory in their earlier matchup on January 24, 2025, winning 77-67.
Injury reports did not indicate any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This factor likely contributed to the competitive nature of the game, with both teams eager to secure a victory.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Western Kentucky as the favorites with a spread of -9.5 and a moneyline of -485, while Louisiana Tech was priced at +370. The total points line was set at 145.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game, although the final score fell short of that total.
The game conditions were conducive to basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans witnessed a closely contested second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key scoring plays included crucial free throws made by LJ Hackman, who contributed significantly to Western Kentucky's final score, helping to seal the victory in the closing moments of the game.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a tense atmosphere, particularly in the final minutes, where every point counted. The Hilltoppers' ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they executed their free throws effectively to secure the win. The Bulldogs, despite their loss, displayed resilience and determination, making it a competitive fixture worth watching for both teams' supporters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -9.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +370 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -485 |
Leaders
- PointsTeagan Moore19Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTeagan Moore4Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsTeagan Moore9Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsAJ Bates13Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- AssistsAJ Bates3Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- ReboundsKaden Cooper13Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W183.4 scored · 78.3 allowed per game5-3 at home
- W102-91vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 2
- L67-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 30
- L81-82vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 20
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
- L61-77at Marshall Thundering HerdDec 11
- W80-79vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 6
- W75-70vs Wichita State ShockersNov 29
- L91-97vs South Florida BullsNov 27
- L78-83vs Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 26
- W97-67vs Bethel (TN) WildcatsNov 19
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Last 10: 6-4Streak L170.1 scored · 59.8 allowed per game0-4 away
- L51-88at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 3
- W75-63vs UTEP MinersDec 30
- W90-37vs Dallas Christian CrusadersDec 22
- L53-61at Tulane Green WaveDec 18
- W65-44vs Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 13
- W89-37vs Ecclesia RoyalsDec 7
- L69-77at Georgia Southern EaglesDec 4
- W83-58vs Alcorn State BravesNov 29
- W75-73vs Indiana State SycamoresNov 27
- L51-60at Indiana State SycamoresNov 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Louisiana Tech Bulldogs | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-63 | 17-53 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 4-20 | 12-36 |
| Three-point % | 20 | 33 |
| Free throws | 9-19 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 47 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 30 |
| Assists | 13 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 10 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 0 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-37Grant Newell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half25-40Teagan Moore makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half27-40Melian Martinez makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half27-42Armelo Boone makes layup (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half29-42DJ Dudley makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half30-42Scooter Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-42Scooter Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half33-42Scooter Williams makes 3-foot dunk (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half33-45Grant Newell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half35-45Scooter Williams makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half37-45Will Allen makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half37-47Noah Boyde makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half39-47Melian Martinez makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Scooter Williams assists)
- 2nd Half39-48Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-49Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-49Melian Martinez makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (AJ Bates assists)
- 2nd Half43-49Avery Thomas II makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-49Avery Thomas II makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot (Scooter Williams assists)
- 2nd Half46-49Will Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-51LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-51AJ Bates makes 25-foot three point jumper (Will Allen assists)
- 2nd Half51-51Avery Thomas II makes layup
- 2nd Half51-52Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-53Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-53Kaden Cooper makes 3-foot dunk (Melian Martinez assists)
- 2nd Half53-55Ryan Myers makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half55-55AJ Bates makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half55-58LJ Hackman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Kaden Cooper makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half57-60Teagan Moore makes layup
- 2nd Half58-60AJ Bates makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-60AJ Bates makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-60Melian Martinez makes layup (Scooter Williams assists)
- 2nd Half61-61Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-62Ryan Myers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance3523
- OfficialsJeb Hartness, Joe Lindsay, Erroll Lewis
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond