The Alabama Crimson Tide host the Kentucky Wildcats for a huge SEC game on Saturday. This conference is loaded with great teams, and this will be an epic matchup.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Head-to-Head
Looking at scores and odds from previous matchups between Kentucky and Alabama can help when putting together a betting preview. Kentucky has gone 116-40 against Alabama all-time, but things have been tighter of late. These two teams have split the last four games in this series.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Information
Game: Kentucky Wildcats (10-4) at Alabama Crimson Tide (12-2)
Location: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL
Day/Time: Saturday, January 7, 1:00 p.m. ET
Television: ESPN
Crimson Tide Looking to Keep Rolling Over Opponents
There are a ton of big college basketball games on the schedule on Saturday, including a key matchup in the SEC. The Alabama Crimson Tide host the Kentucky Wildcats, and this game will have an impact on the standings in the league.
Kentucky has fallen out of the Top 25 after a rough few weeks, but they are also a team that has won two straight games. The Wildcats have struggled on the road this season, but at 10-4 still have a solid resume.
Alabama comes into this game ranked number 7 in the most recent poll, and they are 12-2 overall. The Crimson Tide have rattled off three straight wins, and they are one of the top picks to win the SEC this season.
The college basketball odds for this game will have the Crimson Tide as both moneyline and spread betting favorites when they are released.
Wildcats Winning in the Paint
Kentucky wants to dominate this game in the paint, and 2022 Wooden Award winner Oscar Tshiebwe is having another massive season. The All-American center leads the team with 16.8 points and 13.8 rebounds, and he is a nightmare for opponents.
Not only is Tshiebwe dominating in the paint again this season, but he is also trying to help coach John Calipari to find a better way to get through to his team. After a recent win, Tshiebwe said, “I tell coach ‘You want to be so hard on them, sometimes you really mess up their mind, make it worse.’ Now he’s motivating more… players start stepping up because they hear more positive stuff.”
Kentucky will have to make some shots from the perimeter if they want to win this game, and defense has to be a focus as well. The Wildcats gave up 89 points in their last road game, and that just won’t get it done.
Crimson Tide Pushing the Tempo
The Alabama Crimson Tide want to push the tempo on offense, and then they want to pressure Kentucky on the defensive end. Alabama comes into this game scoring over 83 points per game, but they are also allowing over 71 points on offense.
Forward Brandon Miller leads the team with 19.1 points per game, and the Crimson Tide also have a ton of guards that can knock down shots. Alabama doesn’t always look for the best shot on every possession, as they are more focused with getting shots on the rim.
The Crimson Tide can create pressure out front with their defense, but they are going to have to get stops in the paint in this one. Alabama won’t be able to get this game sped up if they are constantly giving up layups.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction
The odds to win March Madness for both Kentucky and Alabama are going to be pretty good, as both teams are loaded with talent. Most games in the SEC are going to be a battle, and that will definitely be the case with this game.
Kentucky just hasn’t proven that it can win games on the road, and this is going to be a raucous environment. Look for this game to be tight for a half, but the Crimson Tide are eventually going to roll to a comfortable victory.
