It will be a meeting between two stifling defenses when the 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (8-3) challenge the third-ranked Louisville Cardinals (11-1) at Rupp Arena. The game begins at 3:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Wildcats lost to the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 71-65, while the Cardinals won big over the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 70-46.
Louisville played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.175 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8 (below their season average of 32.0). Miami (OH) was 0.061 and 20.0, respectively, for those same stats. Kentucky, meanwhile, forced Ohio State into a turnover percentage of 20.0 (above their season average of 16.6). Kentucky was led by Ashton Hagans, who had 14 points and nine assists. Meanwhile, Dwayne Sutton led the way for Louisville, contributing eight points and 15 rebounds.
The Wildcats won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 71-58. Kentucky’s 0.561 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Louisville, who had a mark of 0.409. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Kentucky currently ranks 37th in defensive efficiency (88.7) and Louisville is 26th (87.6).
Louisville Cardinals at Kentucky Wildcats Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Louisville ranks 148th in three pointers attempted per game (21.3) while Kentucky ranks 256th (16.0).
- The Wildcats allow the ninth-fewest steals per game (4.4) while the Cardinals rank 45th (5.6).
- Louisville allows the 24th-fewest assists per game (9.8) while Kentucky ranks 52nd (11.0).
- The Wildcats rank 44th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Cardinals rank 124th (2.8).
- Louisville ranks 31st in rebounds per game (40.5) while Kentucky ranks 89th (37.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, down from 18.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
