Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Western Kentucky vs Kentucky NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lexington.
Western Kentucky vs Kentucky Prediction
Planning on watching today's Hilltoppers and Wildcats game? Catch the action at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, as the Wildcats hosts this showdown at 6:30 ET on ESPNU. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Kentucky as the -23 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 164.5 points.
Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Kentucky Wildcats
- Where: Lexington at Rupp Arena
- Date: Tuesday, November 26th
- Betting Odds UK -23, WKENT +1758 | UK -9500 O/U 164.5
Hilltoppers Preview: Can the Western Kentucky Offense Score Enough on the Road?
Western Kentucky improved to 3-1 on the season with a 79-62 win over Jackson State on Wednesday. The Hilltoppers were -15.5 point favorites and covered the spread, but the total points (141) fell short of the O/U line of 152.5.
After leading 40-28 at halftime, Western Kentucky scored 39 points in the 2nd half while holding Jackson State to 34 points.
Hilltoppers Offense Breakdown
Western Kentucky put up 79 points in their latest game, shooting 43.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.6%, thanks in large part to hitting 14 of 31 threes, good for 45.2% from deep. They struggled inside, making just 42.1% of their two-point attempts.
The Hilltoppers added 13 offensive rebounds and 19 assists. Tamarion Hoover led the way with 18 points, shooting 4 of 7 from three. Khristian Lander was also strong from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 5 threes and finishing with 15 points in 20 minutes.
Hilltoppers Team Defense
Western Kentucky's defense gave up 62 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 43% from the field on 30 of 69 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 42% shooting, with the other team making 16 of 38 two-point shots.
From three-point range, Western Kentucky's defense allowed 14 threes on 31 attempts, a 45% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 8 times, where they made 5 free throws, shooting 62%. Western Kentucky gave up 13 offensive rebounds.
Wildcats Preview: Can the Wildcats Hold Strong at Home?
Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game/Games
Kentucky dominated Jackson State on Friday, winning 108-59 at home. The Wildcats, who were -36 favorites, covered the spread with ease. The game’s total points reached 167, surpassing the O/U line of 156.5.
After leading 54-30 at halftime, Kentucky maintained their momentum, scoring another 54 points in the 2nd half while holding Jackson State to 29 points.
Wildcats Offense Breakdown
Kentucky's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 108 points while shooting 57.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 70.4%, thanks in part to their 75% shooting on two-point attempts and 43.6% from beyond the arc, hitting 17 threes. They also connected on 90% of their free throws, going 9 for 10 from the line.
Koby Brea led the way with 22 points in 23 minutes, shooting 72.7% overall and 62.5% from three, hitting 5 of 8 attempts. Otega Oweh added 21 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 66.7% from the field. The Wildcats dished out 29 assists as a team, but managed just 4 offensive rebounds in the game.
Wildcats Team Defense
Despite Kentucky's defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 59 points. The Wildcats allowed 57% shooting from the field, with their opponent hitting 41 of 71 shots.
Inside the arc, Kentucky's defense gave up 24 of 32 shooting (75%). From three-point range, their opponent connected on 17 of 39 attempts (43%). The Wildcats also sent their opponent to the line 10 times, where they made 9 free throws (90%).
Hilltoppers vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- When looking at their past ten road matchups, Western Kentucky has an ATS record of 5-5 while averaging 75 per game. The team went 2-8 overall in these games.
- Kentucky has played well in their previous three home games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 84 points per game while allowing 80. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-0.
- Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Western Kentucky has an ATS mark of 4-1 while going 2-3 straight up.
- Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-6.
Western Kentucky vs Kentucky Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Western Kentucky +23 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.