The 15th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (17-5, 7-2 SEC) will be at Thompson-Boling Arena to clash with the Tennessee Volunteers (13-9, 5-4 SEC) in a SEC matchup. Action begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Volunteers won a close one over the Alabama Crimson Tide 69-68, while the Wildcats defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 80-72.
Kentucky played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.574 (above their season average of 0.328) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.454 (below their season average of 0.503). For those same stats, Mississippi State recorded marks of 0.250 and 0.404, respectively. Tennessee, on the other hand, played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.371 (above their season average of 0.251) and a turnover percentage of 14.6 (better than their season average of 18.0). For those same stats, Alabama was 0.088 and 24.8, respectively. Jordan Bowden played well for Tennessee with 20 points, seven rebounds and six steals. Meanwhile, Kentucky rallied around Nick Richards, who finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
The Volunteers held the advantage in this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the last contest, Tennessee won 82-78. The Volunteers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Wildcats. Tennessee had a rate of 8.2, while Kentucky posted a mark of 14.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The offense of Tennessee will square off against the stingy defense of Kentucky. The Volunteers currently rank 217th in offensive efficiency, while the Wildcats are 64th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
Kentucky Wildcats at Tennessee Volunteers Free Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Kentucky ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Tennessee ranks 171st (7.3).
- The Wildcats rank 76th in rebounds per game (37.9) while the Volunteers rank 114th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
- Tennessee ranks 49th in assists per game (14.8) while Kentucky ranks 77th (14.2).
- The Volunteers rank 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while the Wildcats rank 166th (22.5).
- Tennessee averages 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. Kentucky ranks 79th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 9.5 for the season.
