Point Spread: Kentucky is a Huge Favorite over Eastern Illinois

If you thought folks were fired up for this week’s Kentucky basketball rivalry game, wait till you see the fervor at Rupp Arena for the finale of the BBN United Tipoff Classic presented by Kentucky Tourism.

The Wildcats took care of business against Nicholls and Valpo. They are one victory away from cutting down the nets and securing a BBN United Tipoff Classic presented by Kentucky Tourism title.

Ahead of this highly anticipated matchup, the oddsmakers have handicapped the matchup between the Wildcats and the Panthers. Kentucky opens as a 38.5-point favorite on BetMGM, with a total of 150.5. That’s a projected final score of 94.5-56.

The computer that pulls the levers over at KenPom is predicting a final score of 90-58. Bart Torvik‘s estimation is similar, calling for an 89-59 Kentucky victory.

Kentucky is 1-2 Against the Spread (ATS) this season, and the over has hit in consecutive games. Eastern Illinois is 3-0 ATS, but they’ve lost their last two games straight up, falling by 20 to Notre Dame and by three to Valpo. The under has hit in all three Eastern Illinois games this season.

Will the Louisville loss serve as a wake-up call for Kentucky? Can this be a get-right spot ahead of the Champions Classic? We’ll find out in the finale of the BBN United Tipoff Classic presented by Kentucky Tourism.

Kentucky vs. Eastern Illinois: How to Watch, Listen

• Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: SEC Network+ (Andrew Kappes, Ravi Moss)
• Local Radio: UK Sports Network (Tom Leach, Goose Givens)
• AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
• FM: 98.1 WBUL
• Online: iHeart Radio
• Sirius XM: 210 or 190

You can also follow along on the KSR LIVE BLOG, which will start a few hours before tipoff, and join the conversation on KSBoard.

Take advantage of our KSR+ Introductory Offer to get bonus coverage of the Cats, including game threads, in-depth scouting reports, and the latest recruiting and roster intel. $1 for a week.