College Basketball Odds: Kentucky vs Tennessee Prediction

March Madness is just a few short weeks away and the college basketball season is heating up. On Saturday, a key SEC matchup pits the Kentucky Wildcats facing the Tennessee Volunteers. 

Tennessee has already clinched the SEC regular season title but oddsmakers still opened the Volunteers 9-point favorites over Kentucky with the total sitting at a lofty 165.5. 

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Odds (DraftKings Sportsbook)

Tennessee Volunteers -9

Total: 165.5

Moneyline: Tennessee -575 /Kentucky +425

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Prediction

Kentucky will look to even the score with Tennessee on Saturday after the Vols won at Rupp Arena earlier this season, 103-92. That was Kentucky's worst stretch of the year, losing three straight games at home. The Wildcats are playing better recently winners of four straight, although Kentucky's defense is still a sore spot. 

The Wildcats can score on anyone. Typically putting up 92 points in a college basketball game equals a win. However, Tennessee allowed 92 in the first meeting and still won by 11. The Vols have a huge edge on the defensive side of the ball. Tennessee ranks third in defensive efficiency on KenPom, while Kentucky comes in at 100.

This will be an interesting matchup because Kentucky had no issues scoring against Tennessee's vaunted defense in the first meeting where the Wildcats shot a scolding 52 percent from the field. The problem was Tennessee shot an even better 54 percent. 

Look for both teams to have success on offense again in this meeting. They might not combine for 195 points but Kentucky's offense is so good it's difficult for any team to stop it. On the other hand, the Wildcats are so bad on defense, anyone can score against them. 

Nine points is a bit much in this game, so I side with Kentucky on the spread. Tennessee just secured the SEC regular season title on Wednesday and Kentucky is a tough team to blow because of its elite offense. I think they stay within the number.