Fresh off a thrilling, last-second victory over Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament, the Kentucky Wildcats are preparing for another high-stakes matchup. This time, they face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the quarterfinals, and the odds aren’t in their favor.
FanDuel has labeled Kentucky a 5.5-point underdog heading into Friday night’s game. With a high total set at 179.5, the game is expected to be a fast-paced shootout. For those betting on the Wildcats, the moneyline sits at +180, offering decent returns if Kentucky can pull off the upset.
Analytics seem to agree with the oddsmakers. KenPom gives Kentucky just a 38% chance to win, with a projected score of 92-88 in favor of Alabama. Bart Torvik predicts a similar outcome, forecasting a 94-90 win for the Tide. The Wildcats are 0-2 against Alabama this season, losing 102-97 at home and 96-83 on the road.
Alabama, the tournament’s third seed, enters the game with momentum. The Crimson Tide nearly ended their regular season on a three-game losing streak but found redemption with Mark Sears’ game-winning shot against top-ranked Auburn. Head coach Nate Oats is no stranger to success, seeking his third SEC Tournament title in five years.
For Kentucky, the challenge is steep. With injuries to key players like Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson, the Wildcats must dig deep to match Alabama’s firepower. However, Otega Oweh’s game-winning heroics against Oklahoma showed the resilience and fight that this team is capable of.
Head coach Mark Pope will look to rally his team and find ways to exploit Alabama’s weaknesses. The Wildcats’ defense will need to step up against Alabama’s high-scoring offense, while players like Koby Brea and Oweh must continue their strong performances.
The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Fans can also follow along with KSR’s live blog, starting an hour before the game, or join the conversation on KSBoard.
While the odds are against Kentucky, the SEC Tournament has long been a stage for upsets and surprises. Can the Wildcats defy expectations and keep their championship hopes alive? Big Blue Nation is counting on it.
