SEC foes will clash when the Kentucky Wildcats (19-9, 8-7 SEC) take on the Missouri Tigers (18-10, 8-7 SEC) at Rupp Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Missouri Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview
The last time the Tigers played, they lost a tough one against the Ole Miss Rebels, 90-87. Missouri’s Jeremiah Tilmon put up 12 points and 12 rebounds in the contest. Ole Miss forced the Tigers into a turnover percentage of 22.0 (above their season average of 18.7). Missouri, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.328 (above their season average of 0.286).
The Wildcats hope to keep it rolling after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks in their last game, 87-72. Kentucky rallied around PJ Washington, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kentucky played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 35.5) and a free throw rate of 0.254 (matching their season average). Arkansas recorded marks of 28.2 and 0.206, respectively, for those same stats.
The offensive glass could be a huge edge for Kentucky in this matchup. The Wildcats rank eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (36.1 percent), while Missouri ranks 171st in defensive rebounding percentage (71.5 percent). Additionally, the Tigers rank 58th in effective field goal percentage (0.545), while the Wildcats rank 34th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.471).
Kassius Robertson has been playing at a high level over the last five games for Missouri, averaging 19.0 points and 1.4 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Tigers won 69-60. Missouri did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (24-33; 72.7 percent). Kentucky, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 26.5). Jontay Porter had a stellar game, with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Missouri Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats Betting Prediction
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Missouri, ATS Winner – Missouri, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Wildcats rank 25th in rebounds per game (39.3) while the Tigers rank 77th (37.4).
- Missouri ranks 83rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Kentucky ranks 311th (14.7).
- The Tigers rank 36th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Wildcats rank 152nd in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Missouri ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Kentucky ranks 137th (13.4).
Betting Trends:
- The Wildcats average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 5.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
