The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (7-2) challenge the Utah Runnin’ Utes (4-4) at Rupp Arena. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Prediction
In the Utah’s last outing, they topped the Maine Black Bears, 75-61. The Runnin’ Utes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 13.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.145). Utah received a boost from Sedrick Barefield, who led the team in scoring with 18 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
The Wildcats got blown out by the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils in their last game, 118-84. Duke’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Kentucky. The Blue Devils had a rate of 4.2, while the Wildcats posted a mark of 16.5. With 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Keldon Johnson was Kentucky’s leading scorer.
Kentucky figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Wildcats rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while the Runnin’ Utes rank 204th in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2017-18 season. Moreover, second chance points could be rare for the Runnin’ Utes. They rank 289th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.2 percent, while the Wildcats have been 31st-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 70.3 percent).
Utah vs. Kentucky Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Utah ranks 67th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Kentucky ranks 281st (15.1).
The Wildcats rank 18th in rebounds per game (39.1) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 221st (33.7).
Kentucky ranks 12th in blocks per game (4.9) while Utah ranks 125th (3.1).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 76th in assists per game (15.0) while the Wildcats rank 80th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
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