Offense meets defense when the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats (13-3, 3-1 SEC) visit Auburn to take on the No. 14 Tigers (13-3, 2-1 SEC). The game can be seen on ESPN at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Auburn Tigers Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Georgia Bulldogs, 69-49. The Wildcats had 8 steals and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.339 (below their season average of 0.526). With 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Ashton Hagans was the top scorer from either team.
The Tigers easily got past the Texas A&M Aggies in their last game, 85-66. The Tigers held the Aggies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.9 (below their season average of 34.9) and had a turnover percentage of 11.1 (better than their season average of 15.3). Bryce Brown was Auburn’s top scorer with 22 points on 7-for-16 shooting from the field.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Auburn currently ranks 19th in offensive efficiency and Kentucky ranks 50th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Wildcats are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 11th in offensive rebounding percentage (38.0 percent). The Tigers, meanwhile, rank 273rd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.1 percent).
After the Tigers won the lone contest against the Wildcats last season, 76-66, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Tigers had a much better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 18.2) and had a much better free throw rate (0.400 vs. 0.241).
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Auburn Tigers Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Auburn ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.5) while Kentucky ranks 261st (17.3).
The Wildcats rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.5) while the Tigers rank 105th (34.3).
Kentucky ranks 16th in blocks per game (5.3) while Auburn ranks 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
The Tigers rank fifth in steals per game (10.0) while the Wildcats rank 88th (6.9).
Auburn ranks 27th in assists per game (16.4) while Kentucky ranks 95th (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 12.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 86.6 points per game (7.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (10.0 above their season average).
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