The Kentucky Wildcats lost their first game of the season in their previous outing, a contest that saw the team show cracks on both ends of the floor and ultimately drop from first to sixth in the rankings. An ill-tempered Kentucky team has been a bad omen for opponents, as UK has won its past 11 contests following a loss as the fave. It will not be a walk in the park, as Kentucky hosts the Valparaiso Crusaders on Wednesday.
Kentucky’s defensive performance was poor against UCLA, as the Wildcats surrendered 97 points while allowing the Bruins to shoot over 50 percent from the floor. The Wildcats have continued to excel at generating turnovers despite defensive issues against UCLA, as they added 20 against the Bruins to bring their number up to 151 through eight games. Offensively, they are led by freshman Malik Monk, who averages 19.9 points per game.
Alec Peters is one of the most dominant big men in the country, as the 6’7” Valpo forward averages 25.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season. Peters has scored at least 20 points in every game this season and is coming off a 27-point performance against a ranked Rhode Island team. Senior guard Shane Hammink offers a complementary piece offensively for Valpo, as he has averaged 15.4 ppg.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Kentucky Wildcats betting line opened as -19-point favorites in this college basketball tilt over at Sportsbook but the number may be on the move. Watch for the Sportsbook over/under total as well at Sportsbook.
Valparaiso Crusaders vs Kentucky Wildcats Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Kentucky Wildcats battles the Valparaiso Crusaders, currently sitting with a 7-1 mark (3-3 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, always important for totals betting, are 6-2 for the Kentucky Wildcats and 2-4 for the Valparaiso Crusaders.
It's a betting matchup between the No. 1-rated Kentucky Wildcats and the No. 61-ranked Valparaiso Crusaders, according to the latest pro hoops power rankings here at Odds Shark.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Kentucky's No. 4-ranked offense, averaging 95.12 PPG, against a Crusaders defense that ranks No. 125 at 69.75 PPG. The Wildcats field goal percentage has averaged 48.42% so far, more than the Crusaders marksmen have achieved on the year, 41.95% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Alec Peters scored 27 points leading the Crusaders to a 65-62 victory over Rhode Island at Athletics-Recreation Center on Tuesday.
Next Betting Matchups
Valparaiso at Missouri State, Saturday, December 10th
Kentucky at Hofstra, Sunday, December 11th