It will be a battle between two great offenses when the fourth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (22-4, 11-2 SEC) square off against the Auburn Tigers (18-8, 7-6 SEC) at Rupp Arena. Action begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Auburn Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Wildcats defeated the Missouri Tigers 66-58, while the Tigers easily got past the Arkansas Razorbacks 79-56.
The Tigers, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.540, had an extraordinary mark of 0.639 and held the Razorbacks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.7 (below the 31.9 mark opponents have averaged against Auburn this season). Meanwhile, Kentucky’s 0.452 free throw rate was their largest strength over Missouri, who had a rate of 0.085. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 0.310, while the Tigers’ was below their season average of 0.213. Kentucky rallied around PJ Washington, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Chuma Okeke, meanwhile led the way for Auburn, finishing with 11 points and five assists.
In their first matchup this year, Tyler Herro led the Wildcats to an 82-80 victory. He recorded 20 points. One of Kentucky’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Auburn had 20.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Kentucky (15th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 115.1) takes on the top-notch defense of Auburn (39th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 95.9).
Auburn Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Auburn ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Kentucky ranks 278th (17.3).
- The Wildcats average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 20th in the country. The Tigers rank 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Kentucky ranks 33rd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Auburn ranks 63rd (11.8).
- The Wildcats rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.4) while the Tigers rank 149th (34.8).
- Auburn ranks seventh in steals per game (9.2) while Kentucky ranks 109th (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, down from 13.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
