The Alabama Crimson Tide (14-3) travel to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats (14-3) on Saturday, January 18th. This game will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington and televised on ESPN. Kentucky is coming off a win in their previous game, while Alabama is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Ole Miss. Tip-off is set for 12:00 ET.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Kentucky Wildcats
The Crimson Tide Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Alabama Crimson Tide Recent Game/Games
Alabama’s record dropped to 14-3 after a 74-64 home loss to Ole Miss on Tuesday. The Crimson Tide were -12 favorites going into the game but failed to cover the spread.
Alabama led 36-32 at halftime but were outscored 42-28 in the second half. The combined points of 138 fell short of the O/U line of 162.5.
The Wildcats Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Kentucky improved to 14-3 on the season with an 81-69 win over Texas A&M on Tuesday. The Wildcats were -7 favorites going in and covered the spread with the victory.
Leading 35-32 at halftime, Kentucky pulled away by scoring 46 points in the 2nd half while holding the Aggies to 37. The game’s total points of 150 fell short of the 156.5 O/U line.
Crimson Tide Offense Breakdown
Alabama’s offense managed just 64 points in their last game, shooting 42.6% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.8%, with a 55.6% success rate on two-point attempts. However, they struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 20 threes for 25%.
At the free-throw line, the Crimson Tide connected on 19 of 26 attempts, good for 73.1%. They grabbed only 4 offensive rebounds and recorded 11 assists. Malik Dia led the team with 23 points and 19 rebounds, shooting 52.4% from the field, though he missed all 3 of his three-point attempts.
Wildcats Offense Breakdown
Kentucky’s offense put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 46.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.8%. They connected on 60% of their two-point attempts, while hitting 33.3% from beyond the arc, making 9 of 27 three-point shots. At the free-throw line, the Wildcats shot 77.4%, converting 24 of 31 attempts.
Jaxson Robinson led the way with 22 points and 8 rebounds, hitting 5 of 13 from deep. Zhuric Phelps added 21 points despite shooting just 22.2% from three. Pharrel Payne was perfect from the field, going 5 for 5, while Andrew Carr contributed 13 points on 66.7% shooting. Kentucky also recorded 19 assists and 12 offensive rebounds in the win.
Crimson Tide Team Defense
Despite Alabama’s defensive efforts, they gave up 74 points in their last game. The Crimson Tide allowed the opposing team to shoot 42% from the field, with 20 made field goals on 47 attempts.
Alabama struggled to contain two-point shots, as the other team hit 15 of 27 attempts, shooting 55% from inside the arc. From three-point range, Alabama held them to 5 of 20 shooting, or 25%. The opposing team also went to the free-throw line 26 times, making 19 for a 73% success rate. Alabama limited offensive rebounds, giving up just 4.
Wildcats Team Defense
Despite Alabama’s defense holding their opponent to just 47 shots, the Crimson Tide gave up 74 points. Their opponent shot 42% from the field, including 55% on two-point attempts, converting 15 of 27.
From beyond the arc, Alabama limited their opponent to 25% shooting, with only 5 made threes on 20 attempts. However, they sent their opponent to the free-throw line 26 times, where they hit 19 free throws at a 73% rate. Alabama allowed 4 offensive rebounds.
Crimson Tide vs Wildcats Trends
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Alabama has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 94 per game. The team went 5-0 overall in these games.
- Through their last three home games, Kentucky has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 76 points per game.
- Through their last five games as the underdog, the Crimson Tide have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 3-2.
- Through their last five games as the favorite, the Wildcats have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 3-2.
Crimson Tide vs Wildcats Prediction
The Wildcats is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 78-70. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Wildcats at -2.5.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 178.5, and our model projects the Crimson Tide and Wildcats to reach a combined total of 148 points. Our bet is on taking the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 18, 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide, Kentucky Wildcats