LSU Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview/Prop Pick

The SEC might be known for its football, but there has been some serious basketball being played this season. The Kentucky Wildcats host the LSU Tigers on Wednesday night, and this should be another terrific battle. 

LSU comes into this game with a record of 19-8, and they have had to battle plenty of adversity this season. The Tigers just suffered a road loss to South Carolina in their most recent game, and this is going to present a major challenge as well.

Kentucky enters this matchup with an overall record of 22-5, and they just picked up a win over Alabama in their most recent game. The Wildcats are now the 6th-ranked team in the country, and they could go on a long run in the NCAA Tournament. 

The Kentucky Wildcats are seven-point betting favorites over the LSU Tigers in this SEC showdown. 

Tigers Can Really Defend

LSU was supposed to be one of the most explosive teams in the country this season, but injuries have taken away some of their top weapons. Instead, LSU has turned into a dominant team on the defensive end, holding teams to right around 61 points per game. 

This team averages over 11 steals per game, and they are going to make life difficult on the Kentucky backcourt all game long. LSU has struggled to shoot it from deep at times, and they have to win this game with defense. 

Forward Tari Eason leads the Tigers with 16.9 points per game, and he will be a huge key in this game. LSU is going to get some stops, but they have to be able to score with the Wildcats. 

Wildcats Winning in the Paint

Kentucky is shooting nearly 49 percent from the floor this season, and that’s because most of their shots come from the interior. The Wildcats might have the best player in college basketball, and they have guards that are great at getting in the paint. 

Oscar Tshiebwe has been absolutely dominant this season as he leads the way with 16.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. If the Tigers are unable to slow Tshiebwe down, then it’s going to be a great night for the Wildcats. 

Kentucky has been a solid defensive team this year as well, holding opponents to just 65 points per game. The Wildcats simply have to take care of the ball and limit the runout opportunities for LSU. 

Tigers Battle, Wildcats Win

Kentucky has been able to score points in the paint at will against most SEC teams, but that won’t be the case against LSU. The Tigers are a great defensive team, and they are going to give the Wildcats fits in this game.

Kentucky just has too much firepower, and they are always a tough team to deal with when playing on their home floor. LSU is going to give Kentucky all that it has in this game, but they just won’t have enough offense to pull off a win. 

Take the seven points and bet on the LSU Tigers, but the Kentucky Wildcats will pick up a massive win in this game.

Prop Pick

Kentucky (-115) UNDER 75.5 Points

LSU is allowing 61.9 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 23 in the nation. Scores have gone UNDER in each of the Tigers’ last four games as a road underdog.

With Dunkel predicting a Kentucky victory by the score of 70-67, take the Wildcats (-115) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 75.5 points against the Tigers.

Be sure to check out all of our NCAAB picks!