Louisville takes on Kentucky at Rupp Arena in the annual battle between the two historic college basketball schools. The Cardinals are one of the top teams in the nation. Will they beat their state rivals on Saturday? Or, will John Calipari’s squad hand the Cardinals their second loss this season? Check out our college basketball odds, analysis and a free pick for Louisville vs Kentucky!
Louisville vs Kentucky 2019 College Basketball Odds, Preview & Pick
- When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at 3:45 pm ET
- Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
- TV: CBS
- ATS Odds: TBD
Why the Louisville Cardinals are a good bet?
Save for a 57-70 upset loss to Texas Tech, the Cardinals have rocked it this season. Louisville is 11-1 SU. They’re 7-5 ATS. The Cardinals average 76.7 points per game. They only allow 58.4 points. Opponents shoot 35% from the field against the Cardinals. That ranks 3rd in college basketball. If Louisville’s defense is solid this Saturday, Kentucky might not score 60.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Points/G: 76.7
- Field Goal %: 48.5
- 3-Point %: 37.6
- Free Throw %: 74.7
- Rebounds/G: 39.2
- Points/G: 58.4
- Field Goal %: 35
- 3-Point %: 26.7
- Free Throw %: 69.9
- Rebounds/G: 29.3
Why the Kentucky Wildcats are a good bet?
Kentucky is 8-3 SU. But, we shouldn’t put an emphasis on the 3 losses. Often, Coach Cal takes his time with his squad. The Wildcats have yet to play together the way Calipari wants them to. That’s okay. He knows that at any moment, talented Kentucky will gel. Once they do, like every season, the Wildcats will turn into one of the top teams in the nation. Will they gel on Saturday? Kentucky lost 65-71 to Ohio State in their last. The Buckeyes are one of the top defensive teams in the nation. So, yes, Kentucky could gel on Dec. 28.
Team Statistics
Offense:- Points/G: 74.5
- Field Goal %: 46.4
- 3-Point %: 27.8
- Free Throw %: 78.5
- Rebounds/G: 35
- Points/G: 61.2
- Field Goal %: 38.5
- 3-Point %: 30.6
- Free Throw %: 68.8
- Rebounds/G: 26.9
College Basketball Betting Trends for Louisville Cardinals vs Kentucky Wildcats
- Louisville is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
- Cardinals are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games
- Louisville is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games this season
- The total has gone Under in 4 of Louisville’s last 6 games
- Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
- Kentucky is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
- Wildcats are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games
- The total has gone Under in 14 of Kentucky’s last 20 games versus Louisville
Louisville vs Kentucky Final Betting Analysis
Although there’s a chance the Kentucky Wildcats flip the switch on Saturday, there’s a bigger chance Louisville dominates. The Cardinals have already gelled. They bounced back from the loss to Texas Tech with a -31 ½ win and cover against Eastern Kentucky. In their next game, they covered as a -23 ½ favorite over Miami-Ohio.
Louisville plays on both ends of the court. Right now, they’re the top team in the ACC. Not only do they play defense like Virginia, but they play on offense like Duke. The Louisville Cardinals should have no trouble grabbing another victory both SU and ATS on Saturday. They beat rival Kentucky and cover the spread.
College Basketball Free Pick: Louisville
