The Utah Runnin’ Utes (4-4) will travel to Rupp Arena to clash with the 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (7-2). The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Wildcats lost big to the fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils, 118-84, while the Runnin’ Utes beat the Maine Black Bears, 75-61.
Utah dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 and a free throw rate of 0.236. Maine was 13.5 and 0.145, respectively, for those same stats. Kentucky, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (28-38; 73.7 percent). Keldon Johnson had a good outing for Kentucky with 23 points. Meanwhile, Utah was lifted by Sedrick Barefield, who contributed 18 points and eight assists.
Kentucky should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Wildcats rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while the Runnin’ Utes rank 204th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Runnin’ Utes, who rank 289th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.2 percent), will go head-to-head against the Wildcats, who rank 31st in defensive rebounding percentage (70.3 percent).
Utah Runnin’ Utes at Kentucky Wildcats Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Utah ranks 67th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Kentucky ranks 281st (15.1).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 76th in assists per game (15.0) while the Wildcats rank 80th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
- The Wildcats rank 18th in rebounds per game (39.1) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 221st (33.7).
- Kentucky ranks 12th in blocks per game (4.9) while Utah ranks 125th (3.1).
