The No. 17 Auburn Tigers (18-2, 5-2 SEC) welcome the No. 13 Kentucky Wildcats (16-4, 6-1 SEC) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Auburn Tigers Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they topped the Vanderbilt Commodores, 71-62. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 22.9), while the Commodores had a free throw rate of 0.204 (below their season average of 0.281). Kentucky received a boost from Nick Richards, who put up 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Tigers won a close one over the Ole Miss Rebels in their last matchup, 83-82. Auburn held the Rebels to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 27.4). Ole Miss, on the other hand, forced the Tigers into a turnover percentage of 19.4 (above their season average of 15.4). With 14 points and nine rebounds, Auburn’s Isaac Okoro had a solid outing.
After the Wildcats won two out of three matchups against the Tigers last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Auburn won 77-71. Auburn had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 16.6). Kentucky, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 28.6).
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Auburn (47th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 109.8) takes on the elite defense of Kentucky (45th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 92.7).
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Auburn Tigers Pick
Free Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Auburn ranks 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.1) while Kentucky ranks 289th (14.8).
The Wildcats rank 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while the Tigers rank 182nd (36.0).
Kentucky ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Auburn ranks 155th (7.0).
The Tigers average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks 17th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 79th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Auburn is 38th in the country with 10.6 assists allowed per game while Kentucky is 51st with 11.0 assists allowed per game.
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 10.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (8.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (6.8 above their season average).