Kentucky vs Vanderbilt CBB Picks
The Wildcats are feeling good entering SEC play using that win against Louisville as a springboard to conference play. [ad-4468020]
Kentucky Wildcats (11-3) vs Vanderbilt Commodores (8-5)
Saturday January 11
Memorial Gym – Nashville, TN
3:30PM
Moneyline: No moneyline currently listed
Spread: Kentucky -8
O/U: No total currently listed
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ATS Matchup Insight | CP Insider Gambling Preview
Kentucky
They took their opener with ease at home against Mississippi State but it is different on the road, especially against Vandy which has the odd configuration.
On talent alone this should be a romp and another notch in the development of this young team which has so much promise.
Julius Randle has been good since the word go but the Wildcats are still waiting to see who can step up on a regular basis in support.
James Young has a sweet looking stroke but it is not going in at a high rate no matter what the highlight packages are telling you – just 39% and the Harrison brothers seem to be having trouble adjusting to having more than just each other to rely on out there. Don’t even get me started on Alex Poythress.
I am leery of backing Kentucky in these kinds of spots because I think these guys can be kind of lazy and fritter a 18 point lead down to 8.
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Despite that instinct they are the right side to get on in this one, if you want to. Otherwise I would take a closer look at some other games on the board that will give you a bit more value an sanity.
Vanderbilt
The Commodores are looking to rebound from a tough loss on the road against Kentucky. That is a hard thing to do for any team but especially this one which has fallen in the SEC pecking order quite a bit over the past couple of seasons. At least they are at home though where they have lost just once all season long.
That would be more impressive if they invited more challenging opponents to Memorial Gym.
If Vanderbilt is going to be competitive they are going to need a high level performance from their top player, Rod Odom.
The senior has elevated his scoring by becoming a three point threat, making almost 50% of his shots from beyond the arc so far this season. Vanderbilt does have some length and generally plays fundamentally sound so if Kentucky is off their game they may have a small punchers chance at home.
Normally Vanderbilt as a home underdog is an enticing play. They have that quirky homecourt which could be especially hard to overcome for a bunch of young players making their first trip.
The problem is I don’t think this Vandy team has enough to put a real scare in these guys or to really keep it close.
Spread Pick: Kentucky -8
O/U Pick: N/A
Score Prediction: Kentucky 75 – Vanderbilt 61
