Northern Kentucky Vs Kentucky Prediction & TV Info

As the tournament gets underway, you all probably have your favorites picked out, which is an absolute must at this point, especially if you are filling out a bracket. The good news for those of you picking a #1 or #2 seed to go all the way and win a National Championship is that you are not likely to start sweating it too much until after the first couple of rounds. The opening round in particular is usually a very safe passage for the top teams, which this year, as in many years past, includes the Kentucky Wildcats. They are in s the #2 seed in the South Region, and you have to believe that they will have a rather comfortable time of things in their opening round game. They will be going up against the #15 ranked Northern Kentucky Norse, and will be coming into this game as a 20-point NCAA basketball betting odds favorite. The biggest question here seems to be whether they will be able to cover that rather lofty number.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Norse Vs Wildcats Prediction, Pick & TV Info

When: Friday, March 17 at 9:40 PM EST Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis TV: CBS Live Stream: CBS Sports Network NCAAB Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the Northern Kentucky Norse

This has been a massive turnaround year for the Norse, going from a 9-21 record a year ago to a 24-10 record and a Horizon Conference Championship this year. As good as all that has been for this group, getting to the tournament is probably a lot more than anyone expected, which may be why they come in with a “just happy to be here” type of attitude. The Norse have a definite game changer in Drew McDonald, as the big center posted 11 double-doubles this season. The Norse have an excellent field goal percentage, but they are going to need to be lights out to just stay close in this one. That said, they did go 8-4 ATS in games where they were the underdog this year.

Why bet on the Kentucky Wildcats

The Wildcats are a legitimate thereat to go all the way this year, and they will likely go as far as the duo of Monk and Fox will carry them. Those two players have shouldered much of the burden for Kentucky this year, which can also end up being a bit of a problem. Yes, this Kentucky team is very, very good, but they have also proven to be a little streaky in games. This tends to happen when their two main guys have shooting problems, opening the door a crack for the opposition. It hasn’t really hurt them too badly yet, but it’s something to watch out for as the tournament progresses. Kentucky are 18-15 ATS as the favorite this season.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This really should serve as nothing more than a warm-up game for Kentucky, as the Norse simply don’t have what it takes to compete against this group. I also like the Wildcats to cover that big spread.

Northern Kentucky Norse 68 Kentucky Wildcats 97