It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the Tennessee Volunteers (13-9, 5-4 SEC) welcome the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats (17-5, 7-2 SEC) to Thompson-Boling Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Kentucky Wildcats at Tennessee Volunteers ATS Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last contest, they beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 80-72. The Wildcats knocked down 31 of their 36 free throws (86.1 percent) and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.404 (below their season average of 0.517). With 27 points on 7-for-10 shooting, Nick Richards was the game’s high scorer.
The Volunteers edged the Alabama Crimson Tide in their last matchup, 69-68. The Volunteers knocked down 23 of their 32 free throws (71.9 percent), while the Crimson Tide had a turnover percentage of 24.8 (above their season average of 17.6). With 20 points, seven rebounds and six steals, Tennessee’s Jordan Bowden put together a good outing.
After the Volunteers won two out of three contests against the Wildcats last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Tennessee won 82-78. Tennessee had a much better turnover percentage (8.2 vs. 14.6). Kentucky, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 vs. 32.3).
Tennessee might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the country’s best defenses. Kentucky currently ranks 64th in defensive efficiency while the Volunteers rank 217th in offensive efficiency.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Tennessee, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Kentucky ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Tennessee ranks 171st (7.3).
The Volunteers rank 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while the Wildcats rank 166th (22.5).
Tennessee ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.9) while Kentucky ranks 79th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
The Wildcats average 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 76th in the NCAA. The Volunteers rank 114th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
Tennessee ranks 49th in assists per game (14.8) while Kentucky ranks 77th (14.2).
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 9.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
