The Kentucky basketball team is back on the court tonight in the third game of the Kentucky Classic hosting Ohio University. Here are the odds, lines, how to watch, and our prediction.
After opening the season falling to Duke, Kentucky (2-1) has reeled off relatively easy wins over Robert Morris and Mount St. Mary’s 80-55 on Tuesday during a stretch of seven straight home games against opponents they should easily win against.
The one game in those seven that will challenge them the most is tonight against Ohio University out of the MidAmerica Conference. The Bobcats (3-0) are much more seasoned, athletic and will present more challenges, particularly from the 3-point range.
Kentucky basketball and Ohio meet for the first time in 16 years
This will be the 13th time the schools have met on the hardwood with UK holding a 12-1 series lead. These games are never blowouts and always provide some very tough matchups.
Although it has been 16 years since they last met in 2005 with the UK winning 71-63. The year before in Lexington the Wildcats came away with the 79-74 victory.
Coach John Calipari has warned his team that the Bobcats will not back down and they best be prepared to step out and defend the Ohio 3-pointer shooters.
"“That’s how they get on runs. They’re scoring over 80 a game. They played good teams. I mean, Belmont is a good team, great program. Robert Morris played them, but again, they went on runs. It’s the 3 they shoot from, like, every position: the five, the four, the three, the two. Their point guard is averaging 20 a game. They were in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Most of their guys back. They’re playing a little different than last year. They’re unbelievable. We need this game to just continue our path.”"
The Bobcats in fact average 81.3 points a game off 44.5 percent shooting from the field (38.3 percent from 3-point land) and sink 83.3 percent from the foul line. The Bobcats grab 35.7 rebounds a game while dishing out an average of 17.3 assists and registering 7.3 steals a game. Ohio is averaging 10 turnovers a game.
Cal was referring to Mark Sears was named the MAC Player of the Week after dropping in an average of 21.0 points per game. In a 92-80 win over Belmont, he went off for a career-high 27 points.
Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe will have more challenges to claim rebounds from with forward Jason Carter netting 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds a game. Add in forward Ben Vander Plas who racks up 15 points and 8.7 boards.
Kentucky basketball vs Ohio Odds and Betting
WynnBet’s College Basketball Odds has Kentucky as a +12 favorite against Ohio University with the over/under set at 150. The Moneyline has the Wildcats minus -700 while the Bobcats are plus +500. Kentucky has a predicted score of 81 points while Ohio is set at 61.
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Kentucky vs Ohio Prediction Tonight
Calipari will continue his search for the perfect lineup to put on the floor and tonight may not be the best chance to go deep on the bench. The Cats may or may not have Lance Ware or Jacob Toppin available and Cal would not decide to this afternoon. Both are close to returning after nursing some injuries.
Bryce Hopkins and Daimion Collins look to get more playing time and gain confidence with their play on the floor. After Collins went nuts against Robert Morris he was pretty much a no-show against MSM.
It’s a chance for TyTy Washington to also grow his confidence and fluidity with grasping the UK offense. Sahvir Wheeler and Oscar Tschiebwe seem to me already entrenched with each other at the point and down on the block. Tschiebwe even showed flashes of a mid-range jumper on Tuesday.
Big O is averaging a double-double (18.3 points, 18.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks) to lead the way for the Wildcats. Wheeler also is a double-double player averaging 11 points, 10 assists, and two steals per game.
Kentucky will rely on its offense this season as the key to success instead of the typical Cal defense winning games. How Kentucky handles this will be on display tonight and will be a good test.
Let me take Kentucky 84, Ohio University 73
What Channel is the Kentucky Basketball Game On
The Kentucky game today will be broadcast on the SEC Network with tipoff set for 7 pm EST.
Kentucky versus Ohio Live Stream
Today’s Kentucky game can be streamed live on WatchESPN
Kentucky over the airwaves
For the radio enthusiasts, our stellar team of Tom Leach (play-by-play), Mike Pratt, and Dick Gabriel (sideline) will have the call on the UK Sports Network. They can be heard at 840 AM around Louisville and in the Lexington area at both 630 AM and 98.1 FM. If you are outside these areas check your local statins or you can always listen online at www.UKAthletics.com
Kentucky’s Next Game and Schedule
Kentucky’s next game will be November 22 against Albany. Here’s a look at their schedule for the next five games.
November 22 Albany SEC+ or ESPN+
November 26 North Florida 7 PM SEC Network
November 29 Central Michigan 7 PM SEC Network
December 7 Southern University 7 PM SEC Network
December 11 at Notre Dame 5:15 PM ESPN