Cardinals vs. Wildcats Prediction
A big in-state rivalry is on the docket this afternoon as the third-ranked Louisville Cardinals have a difficult road challenge at the 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. Is Kentucky going to secure the win as small favorites?
Game Snapshot
629 Louisville Cardinals at 630 Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Rupp Arena at 3:45PM ET
TV: CBS
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According to oddsmakers, the Wildcats are a 1-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 131.5 points. As of Saturday morning, 60 percent of public bets are coming in on visiting Louisville. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Cardinals pull away from RedHawks
Louisville outscored Miami (OH) 42-26 in the second half 10 days ago to secure a 70-46 home win and improve to 11-1 overall plus 9-0 at home. Jordan Nwora led the Cardinals with 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting including 2-of-8 from 3-point range plus 4-of-7 from the free throw line. He also brought down eight rebounds. Ryan McMahon accounted for 11 points and two boards.
Wildcats drop second straight
Kentucky lost 71-65 to Ohio State last Saturday in the CBS Sports Classic in Las Vegas. The Wildcats (8-3) were outscored 34-29 in the second half of the defeat. Nate Sestina led Kentucky with 17 points off the bench on 6-of-11 shooting including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. He also pulled down four rebounds. Tyrese Maxey tallied 15 points, six boards and three assists. Ashton Hagans added 14 points, nine dimes and three steals.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Louisville
The Cardinals are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall. The underdog is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
Kentucky
The Wildcats are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Saturday games. Kentucky is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games.
Prediction:
Kentucky might be favored by a point, but Louisville has been the less shaky and more consistent team this season. Aside from a rough showing versus Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden, the Cardinals have fared well against everyone and will be highly motivated to make a statement on the road today. Louisville is the second-best team in the nation defensively in terms of adjusted efficiency and is the better offensive team in this matchup. I don’t think home-court advantage will be enough for the Wildcats.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: LOUISVILLE CARDINALS +1