John Calipari has been the reputed king of “One and Done” basketball. Since taking over as Kentucky head coach in 2009 he has taken full advantage of this recruiting phenomenon. Yet for all of the hype about top recruiting classes, the Wildcats have just one national championship under Cal. And they have not been to the Final Four in five years. One week ago, the Wildcats College Basketball betting loss at Auburn was a reminder that nothing is automatic for them. Counter to that is a Tennessee team going through a setback season.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers
| Date and Time: | Saturday, February 8, 2020, Noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Thompson Bolin Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Kentucky vs. Tennessee TV Coverage: | CBS |
| College Basketball Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Kentucky Wildcats Vs. Tennessee Volunteers Overview
Tennessee has a sportsbook record of 12-9 straight up, 9-12 against the spread with 10-10 on totals. Overall national metrics have UT ranked 298th for scoring offense and 19th for points allowed. Following a Sweet Sixteen berth in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, this year has been a profound disappointment. Namely, Rick Barnes became a hot coaching commodity that nearly took the UCLA job. The Vols’ lack of offense has been a drag.
Late on Kentucky has been in the red with just two payouts in their last seven games. UK is now 16-5 straight up, 9-12 vs. the line and 11-10 over the total. Specifically, the Wildcats rank 87th nationally for scoring offense and 86th for points allowed. Once again is Calipari facing heat for the perception of underachieving.
Key Wildcats: G Immanuel Quickley (14.3 PTS, 4.3 REB, 1.9 AST, 65.9 FGPCT, 72.5 FTPCT, 0.0 3PPCT), F Nick Richards (14.0 PTS, 8.2 REB, 0.3 AST, 65.9 FGPCT, 72.5 FGPCT, 0.0 3PPCT), G Tyrese Maxey (13.6 PTS, 4.1 REB, 2.9 AST, 42.5 FGPCT, 82.2 FTPCT, 31.2 3PPCT)
Key Volunteers: G Jordan Bowden (12.6 PTS, 3.7 REB, 2.5 AST, 37.0 FGPCT, 77.6 FTPCT, 27.7 3PPCT), F John Fulkerson (11.6 PTS, 6.0 REB, 1.5 AST, 63.8 FGPCT, 75.4 FTPCT, 0.0 3PPCT), G Yves Pons (11.1 PTS, 4.8 REB, 2.6 BLK, 48.4 FGPCT, 70.0 FTPCT, 33.8 3PPCT)
Kentucky and Tennessee Against the Spread
The Wildcats are:
- 3-5 against the spread in their last eight away games
- 5-1 over the total on the road
- 1-6 on the board in their last seven games at Tennessee
- 2-7 under the total in away games with the Volunteers
- 4-10-1 with the odds in their last 15 road games
- 5-2 over the total when laying points
The Volunteers are:
- 4-5 against the spread in their last nine games as a dog
- 6-1 over the total when getting points
- 7-3 vs. the odds head to head with Kentucky
- 3-5-1 under the total in their last nine games vs. U of K
- 2-7 on the board in their last nine home games
- 2-11-1 under the total when playing at home
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers College Basketball Betting Picks
In this situation, Kentucky is in a bad College Basketball betting spot. As mentioned earlier they have poor wagering value in this situation. Most important of all Tennessee has proven ability to get the cash against the Cats.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee College Basketball Betting Pick: Tennessee Volunteers
Kentucky vs. Tennessee College Basketball Betting Score Prediction: Tennessee 78, Kentucky 77