It will be a showdown between two outstanding offenses when the 18th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (11-3, 1-1 SEC) clash against the Vanderbilt Commodores (9-5, 0-2 SEC) at Rupp Arena. The game can be seen on SEC Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Vanderbilt Commodores at Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last game, the Wildcats beat the Texas A&M Aggies, 85-74, while the Commodores got blown out by the Georgia Bulldogs, 82-63.
Kentucky played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.375 (above their season average of 0.329) and a turnover percentage of 15.4 (better than their season average of 16.7). Texas A&M had marks of 0.214 and 23.5, respectively, for those same stats. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 14.6). Ashton Hagans was a key piece for Kentucky with 18 points, five assists and five steals. Meanwhile, Simi Shittu had a good game for Vanderbilt, finishing with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
The Wildcats dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent matchup, Kentucky won 83-81. The Wildcats’ 10.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Commodores, who had a rate of 17.8. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The offensive glass should be a solid advantage for Kentucky in this showdown. The Wildcats currently rank 13th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.6 percent), while Vanderbilt ranks 157th in defensive rebounding percentage (72.3 percent). Additionally, the Commodores, who rank eighth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.323), will square off against the Wildcats, who rank 41st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.185).
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Vanderbilt ranks 99th in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while Kentucky ranks 247th (17.9).
- The Commodores rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Wildcats rank 76th (12.1).
- Kentucky averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 82nd in the country. Vanderbilt ranks 90th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- The Wildcats rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while the Commodores rank 142nd (35.4).
- Kentucky averages 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the nation. Vanderbilt ranks 67th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
- The Commodores’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 8.8 for the season.
