Marquette vs. Western Kentucky Odds, Opening Spread, Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament

Marquette vs. Western Kentucky Odds

The 2024 NCAA Tournament field has been announced and Marquette will take on Western Kentucky in Round 1 of the South region. Here's everything you need to know about Marquette vs. Western Kentucky odds, spread and more.

Marquette opened as a 16.5-point favorite over Western Kentucky in the first round off the NCAA Tournament, with the total set at over/under 158.5 points scored by both teams combined.

Find out how 2-seeded Marquette and 15-seeded Western Kentucky matchup statistically ahead of their opening round matchup.

Statistical Matchup

Marquette vs. Western Kentucky Analysis

The availability of Marquette guard Tyler Kolek (oblique) is what this matchup comes down to. Will he play? If so, how effective can he be?

Marquette’s been able to pick up the pieces without its star maestro of late. However, the margin for error is rail thin as the bench dwindles for head coach Shaka Smart. This Marquette rendition is scariest when its entire guard brigade is intact as the continuous ball pressure and penetration tends to wear opponents down.

However, even without Kolek and the usual depth, the Golden Eagles’ offense could have a field day against the Hilltoppers. While talented and well coached, Western Kentucky is highly unproven against the big boys. According to KenPom, Louisiana Tech is the only top-100 team Western Kentucky played this season.

This feels like a game that sails into the 160s – or beyond – but it may be worth waiting to see if Kolek plays. Marquette’s been reluctant to push as aggressively without Kolek, but this game shapes up to be an open-floor feeding frenzy, which is why I’m looking at the over at anything up to 160.

–Matt Cox

For more coverage of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and Selection Sunday, make sure to check out our experts' live reactions to the bracket reveal and the Selection Sunday live show, where you can get their instant analysis on every matchup as well as some early insights to help you make your bets.