Volunteers vs. Wildcats Prediction
The sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats clinched the outright Southeastern Conference title over the weekend. Can Kentucky avoid the upset tonight when it hosts the Tennessee Volunteers?
Game Snapshot
649 Tennessee Volunteers at 650 Kentucky Wildcats
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Rupp Arena at 9PM ET
TV: ESPN
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According to oddsmakers, the Wildcats are an 8.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under sits at 131 points. As of Tuesday morning, 65 percent of public bets are siding with host Kentucky. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Vols get past Gators
Tennessee earned a 63-58 home victory Saturday over Florida to improve to 16-13 overall and 8-8 in the SEC. John Fulkerson paced the Volunteers with 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting including 1-of-1 from 3-point range plus 1-of-4 at the free throw line. He also pulled down two rebounds. Josiah-Jordan James contributed 12 points, eight boards, six assists and two blocked shots. Santiago Vescovi tallied 11 points and four dimes. Jordan Bowden added 10 points, five caroms and two assists. Tennessee led 32-17 at halftime before holding off a rally attempt by the Gators after the break.
Wildcats clinch SEC title
Kentucky wrapped up the outright Southeastern Conference regular season championship Saturday afternoon at home with a 73-66 victory over Auburn. The Wildcats (24-5, 14-2 SEC) outscored the Tigers 33-29 in the second half to earn the win. Immanuel Quickley led Kentucky with 18 points on 3-of-10 shooting including 1-of-5 from 3-point range plus 11-of-11 at the charity stripe. He also registered 12 rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Maxey contributed 17 points, seven boards, four dimes and two steals. Nick Richards accounted for 14 points, three caroms and two blocked shots. Nate Sestina added 11 points and two rebounds off the bench.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Tennessee
The Volunteers are 4-3 ATS in the last seven meetings. Tennessee is 7-0 ATS in its last seven road games on Tuesdays.
Kentucky
The Wildcats are 95-66 ATS in their last 161 March games. The over is 4-3 in the last seven meetings.
Prediction:
Kentucky has benefited from a weak SEC this season and while it is an immensely talented team, now that the conference is clinched this is a prime letdown spot. The Volunteers are feeling good about things after downing Florida over the weekend and could be a team that is looking to improve its stock for a possible NIT Tournament bid. Expect a good enough showing out of the visitors to stay within the number here as I do think the possibility of a Wildcats letdown is strong.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: TENNESSEE WILDCATS +8.5