It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the Missouri Tigers (14-8, 4-5 SEC) welcome the No. 21 Kentucky Wildcats (17-5, 6-3 SEC) to Mizzou Arena. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Missouri Tigers ATS Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores, 83-81. Kentucky’s 10.6 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Vanderbilt, who had a rate of 17.8. The Wildcats’ mark was better than their season average of 17.1, while the Commodores’ was above the 14.7 mark opponents have averaged against Kentucky this season. With 30 points on 12-for-19 shooting, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the game’s high scorer.
The Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in their last game, 69-60. Missouri’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Alabama. The Tigers had a rate of 0.628 (above their season average of 0.542), while the Crimson Tide posted a mark of 0.406 (below their season average of 0.523). Kassius Robertson led Missouri in scoring with 22 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Missouri ranks 51st in effective field goal percentage (0.546), while Kentucky is 32nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.465).
After the Wildcats won the only contest against the Tigers last season, 72-62, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.4 vs. 17.1) and had a much better free throw rate (0.365 vs. 0.233).
Kentucky Wildcats at Missouri Tigers ATS Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Missouri, ATS Winner – Missouri, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Missouri ranks 86th in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Kentucky ranks 294th (14.4).
The Tigers rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Wildcats rank 145th (13.5).
Kentucky ranks 19th in blocks per game (5.4) while Missouri ranks 128th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
The Tigers rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while the Wildcats rank 105th (33.9).
Betting Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 62.4 points per game (11.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
