The Kentucky Wildcats are such a juggernaut that it’s rare to see them suffer a two-game losing streak, but here they sit. Despite the recent lull, this is still one of the best teams in the country and it will look to rebound against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Kentucky is exceedingly likely to avoid a three-game losing streak, as it has the superior players and the home court advantage. The Bulldogs will do their best at pulling off the upset but the more realistic situation might be covering the spread as they will be getting a handful of points.
This war on the floor will go down Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 9 p.m. ET at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
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Odds at BookMaker.eu
Kentucky is 17-4 straight up and 12-9 against the spread. The Wildcats have played in 12 home games and have covered in eight of them. Kentucky has been the favorite in every game this season and that certainly won’t change in this one.
Georgia is 13-8 straight up and 9-9 against the spread. The Bulldogs have been much better on the road than at home, covering five of seven attempts in hostile environments. Georgia has played in six games as the underdog this season and has covered in five of them.
Last Time Out
Kentucky had a late lead against fellow top-5 power Kansas last time out but couldn’t hold on in a 79-73 loss. The Wildcats shot pretty well but turned the ball over 17 times, which can’t happen against a good foe.
Malik Monk had 18 points and four rebounds in the loss and enters this one as the leading scorer for the team, averaging 21.7 points per contest. Monk, De’Aaron Fox and Isaiah Briscoe lead the way for a group which is among the most talented in the country.
The Wildcats lost to Texas in the game before falling to Kentucky, the first time this season they have lost two consecutive games.
Player To Watch
Yante Maten -- Georgia seems to have little chance of hanging around in this one. If it happens, it may very well be on the heels of Maten, the Bulldogs’ junior forward.
He is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Maten is shooting 53.6 percent from the field and even hitting on 47.2 percent from the three-point range.
He played a big role in the team’s close win over Texas last time out, scoring 21 points and hauling down seven rebounds. Kentucky has a big-time talent advantage in this one, but a big game from Maten could help keep Georgia in the hunt in this one.
Free College Basketball ATS Picks
Kentucky will fall down the rankings a few spots because of the recent losses, but don’t believe the team is demonstrably worse than a week ago. The Wildcats should be national championship contenders and will be able to get back on track in this one.
Georgia is a middle-of-the-pack SEC team and can hang with most of the teams in the conference, but facing Kentucky on the road is a different story. The Wildcats have one of the best offenses in the nation and should be able to flex their muscles in this one, even against a Georgia team which only allows 67 points per contest.
The Bulldogs will do what they can to hang around, but expect Kentucky’s depth and balance to wear them down. Georgia should get plenty of points so keep an eye on the spread. Even if it’s high, the Wildcats have the firepower to cover at home.
College Basketball Odds: Kentucky 87, Georgia 73
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