An 11-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Arkansas Razorbacks (14-2, 3-1 SEC) when they meet the 10th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (12-4, 3-1 SEC) at Bud Walton Arena. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN.
Kentucky Wildcats at Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Razorbacks dismantled the Vanderbilt Commodores, 75-55, while the Wildcats lost a close one to the South Carolina Gamecocks, 81-78.
Arkansas dominated nearly every stat category in the contest. They had a solid turnover percentage of 9.0 (better than their season average of 15.7) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (above their season average of 20.9). Vanderbilt was 21.7 and 12.1, respectively, for those same stats. Kentucky, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (25-35; 71.4 percent). Arkansas’ Jimmy Whitt Jr. played well, finishing with 30 points and eight rebounds. Immanuel Quickley played a key role for Kentucky with 20 points and six rebounds.
The Wildcats won the only game between these two teams last year, 70-66. One of Kentucky’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 32 free throw attempts, while Arkansas had just 15. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s best defenses. Arkansas currently ranks ninth in defensive efficiency (85.4) and Kentucky is 49th (91.4).
Kentucky vs. Arkansas ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Arkansas ranks 72nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Kentucky ranks 279th (15.6).
- The Razorbacks allow the 10th-fewest assists per game (9.3) while the Wildcats rank 58th (11.1).
- Arkansas ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Kentucky ranks 61st (3.0).
- The Wildcats rank 49th in rebounds allowed per game (32.4) while the Razorbacks rank 231st (37.8).
- Arkansas ranks 22nd in steals per game (9.1) while Kentucky ranks 203rd (5.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Razorbacks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 13.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
