Wolverines vs. Wildcats Prediction
The previous top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats were stunned in their last game and have dropped to ninth in the rankings. Can Kentucky bounce back with a dominant win tonight at home versus Utah Valley?
Game Snapshot
611 Utah Valley at 612 Kentucky Wildcats
Monday, November 18, 2019
Rupp Arena at 7PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NCAA Basketball Odds & Betting Pag
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Wildcats are a 25-point favorite on the spread line. The total sits at 134.5 points. As of Monday afternoon, 85 percent of public bets are being placed on host Kentucky. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Wolverines get past UAB
Utah Valley picked up a 66-55 victory at Alabama-Birmingham Friday night to improve to 3-1 on the season. The Wolverines trailed by five at halftime before outscoring the Blazers 41-25 in the second half. TJ Washington led Utah Valley with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting including 3-of-8 from 3-point range plus 4-of-4 at the free throw line. He also contributed six rebounds and three steals. Brandon Averette tallied 18 points and four boards. Casdon Jardine accounted for 14 points in 30 minutes of action. Jamison Overton added 11 points, six caroms, three assists and two blocked shots off the bench.
Wildcats shocked by Aces
Kentucky lost 67-64 Tuesday night at home against Evansville in one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. The Wildcats trailed 34-30 at halftime and could not recover after the break. Immanuel Quickley paced Kentucky with 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting including 1-of-4 from 3-point distance plus 5-of-5 at the charity stripe. He also grabbed nine rebounds. Tyrese Maxey added 15 points, three boards and two steals off the bench.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Utah Valley
The Wolverines are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall. Utah Valley is 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference games.
Kentucky
The Wildcats are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games. Kentucky is 1-4 ATS in its last five Monday games.
Prediction:
The Wildcats have had six days to lick their wounds and realize they cannot take any opponent for granted. Head coach John Calipari is probably using the defeat as a positive tool in preparation for this contest and despite the poor showing, Kentucky already has a win over a previous No. 1 in Michigan State to its credit this season and has a very stacked and deep lineup. Regardless, this is a huge spread against a decent enough Utah Valley team. The Wildcats could win very decisively and still not cover the spread. After the Evansville result, I have a bit of trepidation betting on UK against a weaker but not terribly bad opponent. Take the points here.
NCAA BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: UTAH VALLEY WOLVERINES +25