Has Kentucky finally found some answers, or did the Wildcats merely capitalize on a soft part of the schedule?
We’ll know more today when the Wildcats (11-6, 2-2 SEC) visit No. 24 Tennessee (12-5, 2-2 SEC). Tip-off is set for 12 pm, ET (ESPN). Oddsmakers have installed Tennessee as a 5.5-point home favorite.
Kentucky has won 2 in a row — at LSU and against Mississippi State, teams that are a combined 2-6 in the SEC. The Wildcats needed those after dropping their first 2 SEC games to Missouri and Alabama.
Big Blue Nation is growing impatient with Mark Pope’s group, which opened the season at No. 9 in the AP poll but hasn’t been ranked since Week 5.
Tennessee is coming off a dramatic double-overtime thriller against Texas A&M. The Vols are 10-0 at home but just 4-6 ATS as a home favorite.
We’ll preview the SEC matchup and offer our best pick.
Kentucky vs Tennessee Odds
- Spread: Tennessee -5.5 (-115) | Kentucky +5.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Tennessee -270 | Kentucky +220
- Total Points Over/Under: Over 145.5 (-110) | Under 145.5 (-110)
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook on January 16 and are subject to change.
For new bettors, a $10 wager on Kentucky on the moneyline would result in a $20 profit if the Wildcats win. A similar $10 wager on Tennessee to win would net a $3.70 profit should the Vols prevail.
If you live in Tennessee and are interested in wagering on this game, be sure to check out the best Tennessee betting apps.
Kentucky vs Tennessee Stats
Who has the edge in Saturday’s SEC showdown?
Best Bet Tennessee vs Kentucky
The resume comparison isn’t close. While Kentucky continues to search for a signature win against ranked competition (0-4 vs. Top 25), Tennessee has already proven it can rise to the occasion — most notably in its early-season win against Final Four hopeful Houston.
The RPI discrepancy tells the tale as well as any words would, though the NET ranking suggests these teams are much closer.
Tennessee’s offense is multi-faceted and capable of scoring at multiple levels. Guard Ja’Kobi Gilliespie (18.2 points per game) leads the way, but Nate Ament (15.4 points) is emerging as an inside presence. The Vols’ versatility will cause Kentucky issues.
Kentucky’s Otega Oweh (15.8 points per game) brings dynamic scoring and defensive playmaking that can’t be ignored, but the Wildcats face an uphill climb on the road, where they are just 1-2 this season.
Best Bet: Tennessee. Our analysis supports backing the Volunteers to win and cover the 5.5-point spread. Their home dominance, rebounding advantage and superior resume against quality competition make them the clear choice in this SEC rivalry showdown.
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
