It will be a showdown between two outstanding offenses when the fifth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (20-3, 9-1 SEC) clash against the 21st-ranked LSU Tigers (19-4, 9-1 SEC) at Rupp Arena. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN.
LSU Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 71-67, while the Tigers beat the Auburn Tigers 83-78.
LSU played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.6 (better than their season average of 16.8) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.0 (above their season average of 36.8). For those same stats, Auburn put up marks of 23.5 and 21.9, respectively. Meanwhile, Kentucky dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.5 (below their season average of 38.4) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.535 (above their season average of 0.531). For those same stats, Mississippi State recorded marks of 25.0 and 0.500, respectively. Kentucky was led by PJ Washington, who finished with 23 points. Tremont Waters, meanwhile was a key piece for LSU with 19 points and 10 assists.
The Wildcats won the lone game between these two teams last season, 74-71. Kentucky made five of their 12 three pointers (41.7 percent). LSU was, meanwhile, 6-24 (25.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Tigers’ Waters has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 23 points,5.0 assists,3.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Washington has averaged 20 points,9.6 rebounds,1.4 blocks,1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Wildcats.
It might turn into a shootout as a pair of the NCAA’s premier offenses face off. Kentucky currently ranks 18th with 114.9 points per 100 possessions and LSU is 25th (114.0). Additionally, the Tigers rank 13th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.302), while the Wildcats rank 29th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.181).
LSU Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- LSU ranks 183rd in three pointers attempted per game (21.7) while Kentucky ranks 288th (17.3).
- The Wildcats rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.2) while the Tigers rank 64th (32.9).
- Kentucky ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while LSU ranks 46th (11.5).
- The Tigers rank fifth in steals per game (9.8) while the Wildcats rank 92nd (6.7).
- LSU ranks 26th in blocks per game (4.6) while Kentucky ranks 85th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.8 points per game (8.4 below their season average).
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 10.0 for the season.
