Arkansas vs. Kentucky: How to watch, odds, picks, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom
The Kentucky Wildcats and Arkansas Razorbacks will face off on Tuesday in a marquee, prime time matchup between two of the SEC’s hottest teams as of late. Before both squads tip off in Lexington, the predictions and betting odds – including KenPom analytics – are rolling in.
How to watch Arkansas vs. Kentucky
Tip-off: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Channel: ESPN
Vegas odds
Kentucky is a 5.5-point favorite over Arkansas on Tuesday, according to VegasInsider. The over-under is set at 139.5 points.
ESPN BPI prediction
Predicted winner: Kentucky
Win probability (for Kentucky): 64.8%
ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. ESPN’s BPI has Kentucky as a home favorite over Arkansas on Tuesday.
KenPom prediction
Predicted final score: Kentucky 72, Arkansas 69
Win probability (for Kentucky): 58%
KenPom is another tool that provides advanced analysis across college basketball. Like ESPN, KenPom projects that Kentucky comes away with a victory over Arkansas.
More on Arkansas vs. Kentucky
Both Arkansas and Kentucky are coming off of two straight wins following their losses in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. After a rough four-game losing streak in the SEC, the Razorbacks have rallied back, rattling off four straight wins in conference play. They’ve gotten a large lift from their three-headed monster of guards, Ricky Council, Anthony Black, and Davonte Davis. Council’s 17 points per game ranks second in the SEC, as he’ll be seeking his eighth 20-plus points scoring game this season versus the Wildcats. Davis averages 11 points per game, but has been on a recent hot streak, averaging 16.6 in the Razorbacks’ last eight games thanks to improved three point shooting and exciting finishes at the rim.
Kentucky’s last two wins were highlighted by phenomenal shooting performances. The Wildcats shot 48.1% from the field and 50% from three-point range in their win versus Ole Miss, then followed it with a 45% shooting day from the field and from behind the arc versus Florida. Senior guard Antonio Reeves hit an impressive six of his seven three-point attempts versus the Gators, as Kentucky as a team ranks first in the SEC in three point shooting percentage and third in the in points per game and field goal percentage. Additionally, league’s leading rebounder and fifth leading scorer Oscar Tshiebwe will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing four point performance versus Florida.