By The No. 3 Louisville Cardinals (11-1) travel to Kentucky to take on the No. 19 Wildcats (8-3) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to start at 3:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Prediction
In the Cardinals’ last game, they thoroughly outplayed the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 70-46. The Cardinals had a much better free throw rate (0.175 vs. 0.061) and held the RedHawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 27.0). Louisville rallied around Dwayne Sutton, who put up eight points and 15 rebounds.
The Wildcats were beaten by the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes in their last outing, 71-65. Getting to the free throw line was one of Ohio State’s biggest strengths. They had 27 free throw attempts, while Kentucky had just 13. Kentucky’s Ashton Hagans recorded 14 points and nine assists in the contest.
After the Wildcats won the only contest against the Cardinals last season, 71-58, these teams will clash for the first time this year. Kentucky’s 0.561 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Louisville, who had a rate of 0.409.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s top defenses. Kentucky ranks 37th in defensive efficiency (88.7) and Louisville is 26th (87.6).
Louisville Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats Free Pick
ATS Pick: ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Louisville ranks 148th in three pointers attempted per game (21.3) while Kentucky ranks 256th (16.0).
The Wildcats rank 44th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Cardinals rank 124th (2.8).
Louisville ranks 31st in rebounds per game (40.5) while Kentucky ranks 89th (37.5).
The Wildcats allow the ninth-fewest steals per game (4.4) while the Cardinals rank 45th (5.6).
Louisville ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Kentucky ranks 52nd (11.0).
The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, down from 18.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
