To get their season going, the Vermont Catamounts will travel to Rupp Arena and go head-to-head against the No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats (1-0). Action begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 12, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Vermont Catamounts vs. Kentucky Wildcats Odds Preview
The Wildcats will look to keep it rolling after topping the Utah Valley Wolverines in their last matchup, 73-63. Kentucky’s Wenyen Gabriel had a good game, contributing seven points and 13 rebounds. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (15.5 vs. 23.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.242 vs. 0.214).
Vermont was a 13th seed in the tournament last season and were defeated in the First Round by the Purdue Boilermakers. In the regular season, the Catamounts went 29-5.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Kentucky ranks 19th in offensive efficiency and Vermont ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency.
The Catamounts were 29-5 straight up (SU) and 4-5 against the spread (ATS) last season. Of Vermont’s 9 games last year, six finished under the projected point total.
The Wildcats have had an outstanding 30-5 SU record since last season, but have had a difficult time covering the spread (17-19-2 ATS). Kentucky’s games have had a tendency to finish under the projected point total over that same period (56.8 percent).
Vermont Catamounts at Kentucky Wildcats Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Wildcats are 24th in the nation with 4.9 steals allowed per game while the Catamounts are 55th with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
- Vermont is 13th in the NCAA with 10.4 assists allowed per game while Kentucky is 39th with 11.4 assists allowed per game.
- Kentucky ranks 21st in rebounds per game (39.7) while Vermont ranks 235th (34.1).
- The Catamounts rank 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Wildcats rank 146th (3.5).
- Vermont ranks 15th in three pointers allowed per game (17.0) while Kentucky ranks 108th (20.2).
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