The 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (8-2) will go head-to-head against the ninth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (8-2) at United Center. The game gets underway at 5:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Tar Heels were victorious over the Wofford Terriers, 78-67, while the Wildcats were blown out by the fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils, 118-84.
North Carolina dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.568. For those same stats, Wofford had marks of 26.5 and 0.452, respectively. Kentucky, on the other hand, did a great job of getting and making free throws (28-38; 73.7 percent). North Carolina was led by Luke Maye, who contributed 24 points and seven rebounds. Keldon Johnson, meanwhile led the way for Kentucky, recording 23 points.
Cameron Johnson and Maye have played well over the last five games for North Carolina. Johnson has averaged 0 points, while Maye has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This battle figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s top offenses clash. North Carolina ranks seventh with 119.9 points per 100 possessions and Kentucky is ninth (119.3). Moreover, the Wildcats, who rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (43.0 percent), will go head-to-head against the Tar Heels, who rank 30th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.5 percent).
Kentucky Wildcats vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina ranks 124th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while Kentucky ranks 250th (16.8).
- The Tar Heels rank 41st in steals per game (7.9) while the Wildcats rank 132nd (5.8).
- Both of these teams are exceptional at rebounding the ball. North Carolina is third in the nation with 45.6 rebounds per game while Kentucky is 44th with 39.4 rebounds per game.
- The Tar Heels rank fifth in assists per game (19.9) while the Wildcats rank 112th (14.0).
- Kentucky ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.4) while North Carolina ranks 113th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 30.6, up from 19.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (7.9 above their season average).
