The Kentucky Wildcats are back on the road for another high-stakes SEC showdown, this time against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum. With a 7.5-point spread favoring Alabama, according to Las Vegas odds, the Wildcats are stepping into enemy territory as underdogs—but they’ve thrived in this role before.
Alabama, coming off two consecutive losses to Missouri and Auburn, is eager to bounce back. However, their recent struggles, including slow starts and defensive lapses, give Kentucky an opportunity to seize the moment. The Crimson Tide’s last game, a 110-98 loss at Missouri, showcased their offensive firepower but also highlighted vulnerabilities that Kentucky will look to exploit.
The Wildcats face their own challenges, particularly with injuries to key players. Guards Jaxson Robinson, Lamont Butler, and Kerr Kriisa are expected to miss tonight’s game, making this matchup even tougher to handicap. Despite the absences, Kentucky has shown resilience on the road, boasting a 5-1 record against the spread (ATS) this season as underdogs away from Rupp Arena. Four of those ATS victories were outright wins, including a stunning upset at Tennessee as double-digit underdogs.
The last meeting between these two teams at Rupp Arena ended in a 102-97 Alabama victory. That game was a high-scoring thriller, tied with just five minutes remaining before Alabama pulled away. Kentucky will be looking to flip the script in Tuscaloosa, relying on their defense to stifle Alabama’s explosive offense.
Statistically, Alabama has struggled ATS at home, going 3-3 in SEC play this season. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s ability to cover as underdogs and their knack for stepping up in tough road environments make this an intriguing matchup. With the total set at 177.5, a high-scoring game is expected once again.
KenPom predicts a 94-89 Alabama victory, while Bart Torvik’s projections are even more generous to the Crimson Tide, forecasting a 98-89 win. However, Kentucky’s history of defying odds and their recent track record in similar scenarios make them a compelling pick for an upset.
Fans can catch the action live at 6:00 p.m. EST on ESPN, with Karl Ravech, Jimmy Dykes, and Dick Vitale on the call. Whether Kentucky can deliver another underdog triumph remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Wildcats aren’t backing down from the challenge.
