When you think of SEC basketball, you think Kentucky. The Wildcats aim to win their third consecutive conference tournament when they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks Sunday. Kentucky has covered in each of their previous two SEC tourney finals with a five-point victory over Texas A&M last season and a 15-point beat down against Arkansas the year before.
Kentucky got a scare for Alabama in the semifinals when they allowed the Tide to stick around, but De’Aaron Fox took charge and sealed the deal for the Wildcats. The freshman scored a career-high 28 points and converted two critical three-point plays down the final stretch of the game to life UK to the win. In their one meeting this season, Kentucky defeated Arkansas 97-71 thanks to (you guessed it) Fox who scored a game-high 27 points while adding six rebounds and six assists.
Arkansas’ defense hasn’t exactly been their usual high-octane self during the conference tournament but the Hogs’ defense has stepped up. The Razorbacks have held opponents to 67 ppg and a meager 34.1 percent from the floor. One positive on the offensive end has been the re-emergence of Daryl Bacon, as the junior is averaging 16 points during the conference tourney after a few down games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Arkansas Razorbacks opened as 7.5-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later (check out Sportsbook for the latest situation).
Arkansas Razorbacks vs Kentucky Wildcats Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Kentucky Wildcats sit at 28-5 (16-16-1 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Arkansas Razorbacks are currently 25-8 (17-14 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? Kentucky is 17-16 OU, and Arkansas is 16-15 OU.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Kentucky Wildcats rated this week at No. 29 and the Arkansas Razorbacks sitting at No. 46.
Statistical Matchup
Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Arkansas is ranked No. 103 in NCAA basketball at 36.58 per game. Contrast that with Kentucky's No. 11 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, Kentucky is the No. 158-ranked team in the country at 7.09 per game, while Arkansas rates No. 195 at 6.61 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Arkansas earned a 76-62 victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday, getting 18 points from Jaylen Barford at Bridgestone Arena.
De'Aaron Fox scored 28 points leading the Wildcats to a 79-74 victory over Alabama at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday.