The Kentucky Wildcats look to continue their road to perfection today when they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the SEC Championship Game. The contest is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the College Basketball Betting Odds for the game have the Wildcats listed as a double-digit favorite to pick up the victory.
There aren't many teams that can beat Kentucky, obviously that's been proven to this point. But if there is a squad in the SEC that has the potential to beat the Wildcats, it has to be Arkansas. The Razorbacks have the SEC Player of the Year in Bobby Portis, a big forward that can score, rebound and defend and gives the Hogs a chance in this game.
But looking over at Kentucky, they have a dozen Portis' it seems. John Calipari's group has been destroying everyone all season, but how much pressure are they putting on themselves each time they take to the floor? Calipari says his team just needs to focus on the task at hand and if they can continue to do that, they'll be a great team. Hard to argue with them not already being a great team, but if that's the motivation that works for the Wildcats, it seems to be doing a decent job.
The matchup between Willie Cauley-Stein and Portis should be a great one today. Portis did not have a great game against Georgia yesterday and should be looking to get back on track early today. A big difference for Kentucky moving forward, and in this game, is the experience they have in the Harrison brothers at the guard positions. Sure, Arkansas and every team the Wildcats will play has experience at those positions as well, but the Harrison brothers are one step above nearly every backcourt in America.
If this turns into a half-court game, Kentucky will romp as always. Arkansas needs to play a wide-open style of game that has Kentucky getting out of their comfort zone. The Hogs have to run, run and run some more, getting out in transition and they have to shoot well. Kentucky just beats up teams in the half court on both ends of the floor and the length and athleticism is too much to overcome.
Karl-Anthony Towns of Kentucky and Michael Qualls of Arkansas could be x-factors. Both have scoring potential, rebound the basketball and are big-framed guys. The one that plays better gives their team a better chance to win.
This will be closer than many expect. Kentucky is a double-digit favorite because they've been so good, but Arkansas is the one team in the conference that can beat them. This should be a good game.
Free Pick: Kentucky 75, Arkansas 70
NCAA Basketball: Who Can Win it All?
Teddy Covers and Steve Fezzik from Pregame.com discuss who they feel will win it all in the NCAA Tournament, while throwing in some teams that have a chance to make a deep run in the tournament.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Get more Free Picks from the Pregame Pros HERE.
Be sure and check out Pregame.tv every week for our videos that include handicapping tips, Webinars, analysis and Free Plays.