Expect a shootout when the fourth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (24-4, 13-2 SEC) challenge the seventh-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (25-3, 13-2 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Volunteers won a close one over the Ole Miss Rebels 73-71, while the Wildcats beat the Arkansas Razorbacks 70-66.
Kentucky dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.524 (above their season average of 0.309) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.6 (below their season average of 38.0). Arkansas recorded marks of 0.164 and 24.4, respectively, for those same stats. The Volunteers, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.545 vs. 0.491) and had a turnover percentage of 12.5 (better than their season average of 14.0). Tennessee was led by Grant Williams, who put up 21 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro fueled Kentucky with 29 points.
In their first matchup this year, Herro led the Wildcats to an 86-69 win. He registered a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Getting to the free throw line was one of Kentucky’s biggest advantages. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Tennessee had 18.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Tennessee (fifth in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 118.1) takes on the stingy defense of Kentucky (20th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 94.7). Also, the Wildcats rank fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (37.9 percent), while the Volunteers rank 268th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.8 percent).
Kentucky Wildcats at Tennessee Volunteers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Tennessee, ATS Winner – Tennessee, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Kentucky ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Tennessee ranks 118th (34.1).
- The Volunteers rank 277th in three pointers attempted per game (18.7) while the Wildcats rank 296th (17.4).
- The Volunteers rank third in assists per game (18.9) while the Wildcats rank 103rd (14.0).
- Tennessee averages 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. Kentucky ranks 69th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
- The Volunteers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 15.1 for the season.
