Wildcats vs. Crimson Tide Prediction
The 13th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats have posted three impressive wins in a row as they prepare for today’s Southeastern Conference showdown at the Alabama Crimson Tide. Can Alabama slow down Kentucky and cover the spread as the home underdogs?
Game Snapshot
609 Kentucky Wildcats at 610 Alabama Crimson Tide
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Coleman Coliseum at 1PM ET
TV: ESPN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our College Basketball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Wildcats are a 4-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 150 points. As of Saturday morning, 90 percent of public bets are pouring in on visiting Kentucky. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Wildcats dominate at Louisville
Kentucky had no issues cruising past the rival host Cardinals last Saturday by a count of 71-58. The Wildcats (10-2) led 35-27 at halftime and continued to pad the advantage after the break. Kentucky shot 29-of-57 from the floor, 6-of-20 on 3-point attempts and 7-of-11 at the free throw line. Tyler Herro paced the Wildcats with 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting including 4-of-6 from 3-point distance to go with five rebounds and two steals. Keldon Johnson contributed 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Ashton Hagans added 11 points, three steals, three dimes and two rebounds.
Crimson Tide win fourth in a row
Alabama posted a 79-69 victory Sunday night at Stephen F. Austin to improve to 10-3 on the season. The Crimson Tide led 41-34 at halftime and held on from there. Kira Lewis Jr. led the visitors with 17 points on 4-o-12 shooting including 2-of-6 from 3-point range plus 7-of-8 at the charity stripe. He also registered eight assists and two rebounds. Riley Norris tallied 14 points and six boards off the bench. Donta Hall accounted for 12 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots. Tevin Mack added 12 points and two caroms. Alabama shot 27-of-61 from the floor, 11-of-31 from beyond the 3-point arc and 14-of-20 on free throws.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Kentucky
The Wildcats are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games versus the Southeastern Conference. Kentucky is 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games overall. Alabama is 1-4 ATS in its last five Saturday games.
Prediction:
This Alabama team is going to need some quality wins in order to make a push for the NCAA Tournament and what better team to do that against than the premier team in the SEC? Expect a great crowd supporting the Crimson Tide and a spirited effort. This spread seems to be screaming to take Kentucky, but it also feels like it could be a trap. I’m going with the hosts here.
NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE +4