The No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats (11-3, 1-1 SEC) welcome the Vanderbilt Commodores (9-5, 0-2 SEC) to Rupp Arena as they attempt to continue their nine-game home winning streak. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on SEC Network.
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Kentucky Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Commodores’ last game, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Georgia Bulldogs, 82-63. Georgia’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.283 (below their season average of 0.311), while the Commodores posted a mark of 0.157 (below their season average of 0.338). Simi Shittu had a good game for Vanderbilt, putting up 10 points and 14 rebounds.
The Wildcats beat the Texas A&M Aggies in their last outing, 85-74. The Wildcats made 21 of their 23 free throws (91.3 percent), while the Aggies had a turnover percentage of 23.5 (above their season average of 16.9). With 18 points, five assists and five steals, Kentucky’s Ashton Hagans played well.
After the Wildcats won both meetings against the Commodores last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Kentucky won 83-81. The Wildcats’ 10.6 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Commodores, who had a mark of 17.8.
Kentucky should have an advantage on the offensive glass in this battle. The Wildcats rank 13th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.6 percent), while Vanderbilt ranks 157th in defensive rebounding percentage (72.3 percent). Furthermore, the Commodores rank eighth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.323), while the Wildcats rank 41st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.185).
Vanderbilt Commodores at Kentucky Wildcats Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Vanderbilt ranks 99th in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while Kentucky ranks 247th (17.9).
The Wildcats rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while the Commodores rank 142nd (35.4).
Kentucky averages 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the country. Vanderbilt ranks 67th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
The Commodores rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Wildcats rank 76th (12.1).
Kentucky averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 82nd in the nation. Vanderbilt ranks 90th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Commodores’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 8.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
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