Naturally the Kentucky Wildcats were a preseason favorite with the college basketball betting line. Since the arrival of head coach John Calipari in 2009 the Wildcats have been a perennial favorite for the Final Four each season. Yet Calipari has only managed one national championship. Kentucky is famed for its “one and done” NBA talent. But many fans believe that “Big Blue” has fallen short of expectations. Meanwhile the Seton Hall Pirates have shown methodical improvement. Head coach Kevin Willard has jumpstarted what was a mess of a program. The Hall has made March Madness three straight years.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Seton Hall Pirates
Date and Time: Saturday, December 8, 2018, noon ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
Wildcats vs. Pirates TV Coverage: FOX
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky has not been a good recent value with the college basketball betting line. To show the Wildcats are 7-1 straight up but just 3-5 vs. the odds with five of their eight games going under the total. Last time out U of K did get the money in a 78-61 home win over North Carolina Greensboro. Reid Travis led the Cats with 22 points and 12 rebounds. In fact, Travis is averaging 14.6 points and seven rebounds per game. Keldon Johnson leads Kentucky with 15.9 points and six rebounds per outing.
Seton Hall Pirates
Seton Hall has a NCAA Basketball record of 4-3 both straight up and against the spread with 2-4 under the total. Account of three payouts in their last four games have the Pirates found good form. Of major concern is a Seton Hall offense that is languishing at 242nd in the country for scoring. Counter to that is a defense that ranks 103rd in the nation. Balanced against that is Kentucky’s ranking of 38th in the nation for scoring offense and 143rd for points allowed. Myles Powell is Seton Hall’s weapon. Indeed, Powell averages 24 points per game.
Stats to Consider
Last spring Calipari was roasted when his Wildcats were upset by Kansas State in March Madness. Starting with the fact that U of K last made the Final Four in 2015 has fan rage increased. Likewise, the lone national title in 2012 is seen as not enough. Cause by his strong recruiting does Calipari create a trap for himself.
Team vs. Team
Seton Hall has been a strong betting value away from home recently. For example, the Pirates have covered 11 of their last 13 games away from home. Four of The Hall’s last six away games have gone under the total. Balanced against that is Kentucky’s weak betting value away from home. In fact, the Wildcats have been consistent overlays on the road. Consider U of K has covered just two of their last seven away matchups. Five of their last seven away contests have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
In particular Seton Hall fails to bring enough firepower in this matchup with the college basketball betting line. Most of all Kentucky brings vastly more scoring depth. Concurrently the Wildcats can match Seton Hall defensively.
Kentucky vs. Seton Hall NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
Starting with their scoring does Kentucky rate the call!
Kentucky vs. Seton Hall NCAA Betting Online Pick: Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky vs. Seton Hall NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Kentucky 88, Seton Hall 71
Catch highlights of Kentucky’s win over North Carolina Greensboro!