Eastern Kentucky vs Kentucky 2019 College Basketball Odds, Preview & Pick

Eastern Kentucky vs Kentucky 2019 College Basketball Odds, Preview & Pick

Written by on November 8, 2019

The Kentucky Wildcats host Eastern Kentucky as a -29 ½ points favorite on Friday night. The Wildcats hope to make it 2 in a row after upsetting 1-ranked Michigan State 69-62 earlier in the week. Will the Wildcats win and cover? Or, will the Colonels keep this matchup closer than the spread? Check out the NCAAB odds, analysis, and a free pick for Kentucky vs Eastern Kentucky!

Eastern Kentucky vs Kentucky 2019 College Basketball Odds, Preview & Pick

  • When: Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 pm ET
  • Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
  • TV: SEC Net
  • ATS Odds: Kentucky -29 ½

Why the Eastern Kentucky Colonels are a good bet +29 ½?

Just like the Wildcats, the Colonels had a successful first game of the season. Eastern Kentucky beat Chattanooga 79-68. The Colonels shot 51.9% from the field when converting 27-of-52. They shot 42.9% from the three-point line. Houston King shot 6-of-8 from the field and made 4-of-5 three-point shots. If King has good of a game on Friday night as he did versus Chattanooga, Eastern Kentucky should at least cover the spread.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 79
  • Field Goal %: 51.9
  • 3-Point %: 42.9
  • Free Throw %: 76
  • Rebounds/G: 40
Defense:
  • Points/G: 68
  • Field Goal %: 32.4
  • 3-Point %: 36
  • Free Throw %: 88.2
  • Rebounds/G: 30

Why the Kentucky Wildcats are a good bet -29 ½?

Although a 3-point dog, the Wildcats beat the Spartans straight up. Kentucky showed that it might be the best team Coach Calipari has had in Lexington since the days of Anthony Davis. What makes this Kentucky team flourish? Junior guard Ashton Hagans has the perfect compliment in freshman Tyrese Maxey. As good as Houston King is, he’ll have trouble against Maxey and Hagans.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 69
  • Field Goal %: 38
  • 3-Point %: 33.3
  • Free Throw %: 78.1
  • Rebounds/G: 33
Defense:
  • Points/G: 62
  • Field Goal %: 39.3
  • 3-Point %: 19.2
  • Free Throw %: 72.2
  • Rebounds/G: 30

College Basketball Betting Trends for Eastern Kentucky vs Kentucky

  • Colonels are 1-6-2 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS win
  • Colonels are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games
  • The total went UNDER in 4 of Eastern Kentucky’s last 5 games
  • Wildcats are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games
  • Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games
  • The total went UNDER in 4 of Kentucky’s last 5 games

Eastern Kentucky vs Kentucky Final Betting Analysis

Kentucky beat Michigan State in their first game of the season. They only scored 69 points, though, and Maxey dropped 26. That’s not to say that Kentucky won’t find another scorer as the season goes on.

But, it has to bother Coach Cal that the lone bright spot offensively is his freshman guard. He must get more scoring from at least two other players to contend for a National Championship. In regards to this matchup on Friday, Kentucky wins easily. Because they might rely on Maxey for points again, they might only beat Eastern Kentucky by 20 to 24, though.

The Colonels can match the Wildcats in the run game at least for a while. Calipari will most likely want to slow things down and play defense. That’s how Kentucky will win the SEC. Expect a blowout Kentucky win. Just don’t expect a 30-point blowout Kentucky win.

Free Pick: Eastern Kentucky +29 ½