For the first time in school history, the Abilene Christian Wildcats have secured an appearance in the national tournament and they make their debut against the Kentucky Wildcats. Abilene Christian has picked up six straight wins en route to a Southland tournament title, while Kentucky’s three-game winning streak was snapped in the SEC tournament semifinal vs Tennessee. The Wildcats from Kentucky are a 22-point favorite in this game with the total Sportsbook at 132 points.
Abilene Christian vs Kentucky Game Center
Standout Stats
- Both teams have been in the win column frequently down the stretch with Kentucky going 7-2 SU but 3-6 ATS in its last nine games, while Abilene Christian is 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS in its last nine contests. Kentucky has had an average winning margin of 12.43 through its last nine matches, while Abilene Christian’s average winning margin is 15 through its last nine. The level of competition has been drastically different, though, as UK had the 23rd-toughest strength of schedule this year and ACU’s ranked 335th among 353 teams.
- The UNDER has been the smart play when taking a total for these two teams as the total has gone UNDER in five of Abilene Christian’s last nine contests and in six of Kentucky’s last eight. Of ACU’s last nine, five games went OVER 132 points, while three of UK’s last eight matches went OVER 132.
- Scoring has come with a little more ease for Kentucky this season as it has filled the basket with 76.7 points per game, while Abilene Christian averaged 71.7 ppg. On the defensive side of the ball, the two teams match up really well with ACU restricting foes to just 64.9 ppg and UK slightly behind with its opponents burying 65.4 ppg.
- Both teams have a similar approach to the game, electing for higher-percentage two-point shots rather than shooting the three. From inside the arc, Kentucky shoots 52.7 percent, while Abilene Christian hits 49.8 percent. Defensively, UK ranks eighth in the nation in opponent two-point shooting percentage at 43.6 while ACU’s foes shoot 49.2 percent from inside the arc.
- On the glass, Kentucky is going to have a massive advantage as it secures 38.5 rebounds per game while Abilene Christian only grabs 32 boards per game.
My Best Bet for Abilene Christian vs Kentucky
Kentucky -22
UK is just a better all-around team compared to ACU. Both teams have a similar approach offensively but Kentucky executes far better and is stronger defensively as well. Additionally, most of ACU’s missed shots will be collected by UK as it simply dominates opponents on the glass. Look for Kentucky to advance to the Round of 32 in fine fashion.
