Kentucky Wildcats (22-8) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (24-6)
March 9, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Tennessee Volunteers -8.5; Over/Under: +167.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Kentucky Wildcats will play the Tennessee Volunteers in a SEC game on Saturday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the Kentucky preview, Tennessee preview, betting matchup, and the Kentucky vs Tennessee prediction.
Kentucky Preview
The Kentucky Wildcats are 22-8 (12-5) this season after they defeated Vanderbilt by a score of 93-77 in their last game. Kentucky led 45-40 at halftime and out scored Vanderbilt 48-37 in the second half for the double-digit win. The Wildcats shot 50.7% from the field and made 11 three pointers in the game. Kentucky has won four games in a row and six of their last seven. The Wildcats are scoring 89.7 points per game with 37.6 rebounds per game and 17.6 assists per game, while allowing 79.1 points against per game this year. Antonio Reeves is averaging 20 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game. Kentucky is shooting 49.8% from the field, 77.1% on free throws, and 40.8% on three pointers this season.
Tennessee Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers are 24-6 (14-3) this year after they defeated South Carolina by a score of 66-59 in their last game. Tennessee led 35-24 at halftime, but was out scored 35-31 in the second half in the win. The Volunteers shot 35.7% from the field and made 19 free throws in the game. Tennessee has won seven games in a row and nine of their last ten. The Volunteers are scoring 80.2 points per game with 39.1 rebounds per game and 16.9 assists per game, while giving up 67.1 points against per game this season. Dalton Knecht is averaging 20.7 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game. Tennessee is shooting 45.2% from the field, 75% on free throws, and 34.7% on three pointers this year.
Kentucky vs Tennessee Betting Prediction
Tennessee comes into this matchup after clinching the regular season SEC Title, so it will be interesting to see if they choose to rest anyone or limit minutes. Kentucky is currently tied for second with four other teams, so picking up a win in this game is critical to get a top four seed in the tournament. The Wildcats are one of the highest scoring teams in the country, but they play next to no defense. On the other side, Tennessee is one of the best defensive teams in the SEC and they beat Kentucky by a score of 103-92 on the road earlier this year. I think Tennessee is the better team, but I don’t think the motivation is there for them, while Kentucky has a ton to play for. Take the Wildcats on the road here.
