The top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats take on the sixth-ranked Texas Longhorns in college basketball action tonight in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the game have Kentucky favored by double digits in this contest.
Kentucky has proven they are the best team in college basketball to this point in the season, beating up on everyone with their multi-five player lineups. The Wildcats destroyed Kansas on the glass and the scoreboard earlier this season, but taking on a front line like Texas brings is going to test them. Both teams bring elite defenses to the court tonight with high-powered offenses.
The Wildcats have somehow found a way to make everyone remain happy with their massive rotation. John Calipari has not called them bench players and it's obvious he's not treating it that way by changing lines and effectively cutting the games in half. It's worked so far for Kentucky, but will they be able to continue to put up with the formula for success? Kentucky is always having a different player lead them in scoring, but Aaron Harrison does lead them in averaged scoring at 10.4 points per game. Devin Booker and Dakari Johnson are both averaging 10.3 points per game as well. Four other players toss in at least eight points per game for Kentucky, giving them so many options both inside and out.
Kentucky pours in 79 points per game on average and allows only 45 points to opponents. Texas scores almost 73 points per game this season and has impressive numbers (52.6 ppg to opponents) but nothing looks great when the numbers are compared side-by-side to Kentucky.
The front line for Texas is going to have to play well. Texas is looking for its first win over the AP No. 1 ranked team all-time, having lost all seven previous occurrences.
Johnathan Holmes and Myles Turner are two of the best in the country on the interior. Collectively they average 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks per game for Texas. If the Longhorns slow the game down and show up ready to work on the glass, they're going to have a shot to compete in this one and keep it close. The world seems to think Kentucky can't lose to anybody in college basketball, but Texas has the front line players, and depth, to play on the same floor.
Kentucky will win, though, because they're playing at home.
Free Pick: Kentucky 68, Texas 60
College Football Free Picks: Arizona vs Oregon Betting
What college football bettors need to know about betting Arizona Wildcats vs Oregon Ducks on Friday (12/05/14) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson with added insight from Dave Cokin.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for College basketball and the NFL with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!