Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Prediction 03/16/19

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The eighth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (28-4, 16-3 SEC) clash with the fourth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (27-5, 16-3 SEC) in the Southeastern Conference Tourney at Bridgestone Arena. Action gets underway at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Odds

Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wildcats won big over the Alabama Crimson Tide 73-55, while the Volunteers defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 83-76.

Tennessee played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.0 (better than their season average of 14.0) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4 (above their season average of 31.5). For those same stats, Mississippi State was 13.4 and 38.5, respectively. The Wildcats, on the other hand, held the Crimson Tide to an effective field goal percentage of 0.357 (below their season average of 0.507) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 26.8). Kentucky was led by PJ Washington, who put up 10 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kyle Alexander was a key piece for Tennessee with 16 points and nine rebounds.

This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Kentucky currently ranks 18th in offensive efficiency and Tennessee ranks 54th in defensive efficiency.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats ATS Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Tennessee ranks fourth in assists per game (18.7) while Kentucky ranks 123rd (13.8).
  • The Volunteers rank 278th in three pointers attempted per game (19.0) while the Wildcats rank 308th (16.8).
  • The Wildcats rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.5) while the Volunteers rank 118th (34.3).
  • Tennessee averages 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. Kentucky ranks 75th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (6.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
  • The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 11.8 for the season.