The second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (1-0) will be 31.5-point favorites at home in Rupp Arena when they take on the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (1-0). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 8, 2019, and can be seen on SEC Network.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the top-ranked Michigan State Spartans 69-62, while the Colonels beat the Chattanooga Mocs 79-68.
The Colonels had a much better free throw rate (0.365 vs. 0.221) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.577 vs. 0.390). Kentucky, meanwhile, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.500 and a turnover percentage of 13.5. For those same stats, Michigan State put up marks of 0.232 and 20.0, respectively. Tyrese Maxey played well for Kentucky, contributing 26 points and five rebounds. Darius Hicks was a key piece for Eastern Kentucky with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Kentucky figures to have a substantial edge. Since last season, the Wildcats defense ranks 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.466), while the Eastern Kentucky offense ranks 268th in effective field goal percentage (0.491). It will also be a showdown of opposite tempos as the quick-paced Colonels rank first in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Wildcats rank 292nd.
Eastern Kentucky vs. Kentucky ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Eastern Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Kentucky ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (29.2) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 308th (41.3).
- The Colonels rank second in steals per game (10.1) while the Wildcats rank 182nd (5.9).
- Kentucky ranks 21st in blocks per game (4.7) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 177th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Colonels rank 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while the Wildcats rank 324th (16.4).
- Kentucky ranks 41st in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Eastern Kentucky ranks 264th (14.9).
