It took oddsmakers some time to find the sweet spot for the Wildcats this season, as Kentucky opened the season just 1-5 against the spread. In the last month, however, it seems that the team that was ranked No. 2 entering the season and fell as low as No. 19 has proven to be worth its preseason ranking by going 9-1 SU and ATS in its last 10. Mizzou opens as a double-digit underdog with the total hovering around 135.
Kentucky vs Missouri Game Center
Standout Stats
- Kentucky is second in field-goal percentage (47 percent) in the SEC, and has the best shooting defense in the conference (39.4 percent). The Wildcats hold opponents to 62.1 points per game – that’s No. 1 in the conference.
- Mizzou is shooting just 42.5 percent from the floor (11th in the SEC) while opponents are shooting 44.9 percent (10th in the SEC).
- Kentucky is 11-0 SU but just 5-6 ATS as a double-digit favorite this season. The Wildcats have not been a double-digit favorite on the road since February 21, 2017, at Mizzou, when they won by 10 as a 16-point favorite. The Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as a double-digit road fave.
- Missouri is 3-9 SU and 4-7-1 ATS in SEC play with its only wins coming against Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Texas A&M, teams that are in the bottom half of the SEC standings.
- Kentucky gave Tennessee its first loss on Saturday, winning by 17 points as a 3.5-point favorite. Missouri lost to Tennessee by 12.
- Kentucky is 43rd in the country scoring 78.7 points per game while Missouri is all the way down at 229th at 68 points per game. There’s a big gap on defense too – Kentucky has the No. 38 scoring defense, Mizzou No. 90.
My Bet for Tonight
Wildcats -11.5
I’m a little gun-shy due to the rarity of Kentucky playing in or covering this spot, but I am going to back the Wildcats -11.5 in this game. They have found their game and are working toward peaking at the right time heading toward the tournament. I like John Calipari’s group to continue its hot run tonight.
