The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5, 0-1 CUSA) square off against the Sam Houston Bearkats (8-4, 0-1 CUSA) on Friday at 5 p.m. ET in CUSA action, aiting on ESPN+.

Western Kentucky lost to Jacksonville State 78-67 on the road last time out, and were led by Armelo Boone (18 PTS, 3 STL, 38.89 FG%, 4-11 from 3PT) and Teagan Moore (17 PTS, 40.00 FG%). In its previous game, Sam Houston won at home over Biblical Studies-Houston, 117-57. Its top scorers were Isaiah Manning (27 PTS, 10 REB, 68.75 FG%) and Jacob Walker (24 PTS, 47.06 FG%, 5-12 from 3PT).

To prepare for this matchup, here’s everything you need to get ready for Friday’s college basketball action.

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Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Friday, January 2, 2026
Game time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Arena: E. A. Diddle Arena
TV Channel: ESPN+
Live Stream: ESPN+ – Watch NOW

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Hilltoppers vs. Bearkats odds and spread

Spread Favorite: Hilltoppers (-4.5)
Moneyline: Western Kentucky (-200), Sam Houston (+165)
Total: 166.5 points

College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 3:33 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

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