Kentucky Basketball Game today: Kentucky vs Alabama, Line, Predictions, Odds, TV Channel; Live Stream for Basketball Game Feb. 5

Kentucky basketball has squared off every Saturday since the beginning of 2022 against an elite opponent and that continues today in Tuscaloosa against Alabama with the Wildcats seeking some revenge.

Last season in a 14-day span in January the Tide rolled over UK 70-59 and 85-65. Prior to that Kentucky has won 12 of the previous 13 matchups. Overall the Cats lead the series 114-40.

There are 5 players on this roster who played in those games last year and I am sure motivated by redemption.

In the 70-59 loss Davion Mintz and Dontaie Allen each scored 12 points while Keion Brooks (4 points, 17 minutes), Lance Ware (3 points, 7 minutes) and especially Jabob Toppin (0 points, 21 minutes) would rather forget.

In the other blowout at Rupp it was Brooks going for 10, Allen 8, Mintz and Toppin 5 each, and Ware did not play.

Kentucky basketball ready to inflict revenge against Alabama

Fast forward now and Big Blue is rolling instead of getting rolled over. Number 5 ranked Kentucky (18-4, 7-2) is on a three-game winning streak while the Tide (14-8, 4-5) were run out of the gym 100-81 by No. 1 ranked Auburn, their second loss to the Tigers.

While appearing to struggle on paper the Tide is 10-1 at home this season has knocked off Miami, Gonzaga, Houston, Tennessee, LSU, No. 4 Baylor, and Florida. They are looking for another marque win in Coleman Coliseum against UK.

Kentucky fresh off a 77-70 win over Vanderbilt on Wednesday and a blowout of No. 5 Kansas last Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse, the Cats are healthy and I believe ready to surge through the rest of the SEC schedule. While not easy this team has high aspirations and the weapons to reach them.

Mintz dropped in 21 points to lead the Cats over Vandy, becoming the sixth Kentucky player to score at least 20 points in a game this season. One would expect Kellan Grady to be one but the deadly shooter hasn’t eclipsed into the feat yet. Today would be a good day to join the club.

Grady knows Kentucky will be facing a stiff test today.

"“I expect them to be ready on Saturday They just had a big win. And, to be blunt, we’re coming to town, and a lot of times, that creates an electric environment. We expect to get the best of them and we’ll be prepared for it.”"

The man leading the Cats in two wins this week was Brooks who tallied a career-high 27 points at Kansas and then 20 at Vanderbilt. It was the first time the junior has scored 20 or more points in consecutive games.

Kentucky boasts five players averaging in double figures led by Oscar Tshiebwe with 16.1 points and 15.1 rebounds., 40 steals, and 32 blooks.  He is followed by TyTy Washington (12.8 pts, 3.8 reb, 88 assists, and 27 steals); Grady (12.0 points 65 3-pointers made); Brooks (11.5 points, 4.5 reb), and Sahvir Wheeler (10.1 points, 141 assists and 25 steals).

Alabama launches a ton of long-range three’s and Kentucky will need to defend that well.

Leading the Tide is junior guard Jaden Shackelford who is averaging 17.6 points while shooting 37.3% from behind the arc. Last year he averaged 19.5 points in both of Bama’s wins over UK. Jahvon Quinerly adds 14.8 points and has sunk 32 3-pointers and leads the team with 6.2 boards a game and has 94 assists on the year. Keon Ellis is the third Bama player with double figures at 10.2 points and has 44 steals.

Kentucky basketball vs Alabama Odds and Betting

WynnBet’s College Basketball Odds has Kentucky as a pick-em game. The over/under has been set at 158 points and the Moneyline has Kentucky and Alabama both -110. The point totals are Alabama with 79 points and Kentucky scoring 78 points.

Kentucky is averaging 81.9 points a game and shooting 49.3 from the field while hauling down 41.1 rebounds a game including 13.1 on offense. Big Blue only allows 64 points a game.

Bama also scored 81.4 points off 44.8 percent shooting and snares 39.9 rebounds a game. In UK’s favor, they do allow 76 points a game.

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Kentucky vs Alabama Prediction Today

This game pits the two all-time winningest basketball programs in the SEC.

Kentucky 823-217 (.791)
Alabama 674-495 (.577)

The game will be fast-paced and feature a bevy of shots launched behind the arc.

Without a doubt, the key in taking down the Tide will be limiting their success from the 3-point line, as they’re launching 30 attempts per game making 31.4 percent with three players shooting plus 30 percent.

Kentucky doesn’t have to shoot them but will, but with how much success. If they can force Bama into missed shots UK must get the rebounds. Long misses will need to be corralled by all five UK players.

My prediction is Kentucky 80, Alabama 76

What Channel is the Kentucky Basketball Game On

Today’s game will be on ESPN with tipoff set for 8 pm EST.

Kentucky versus Alabama Live Stream

Today’s Kentucky game can be streamed live on ESPN.

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 Upcoming Schedule

Kentucky continues the back end of its SEC journey with just 8 more regular-season games. It’s off to South Carolina on Tuesday and that horrible Sandstorm blaring atmosphere.  Here’s a look at their schedule for the next five games.

February 8 @South Carolina 7 PM  ESPN

February 12 Florida 4 PM ESPN

February 15 @Tennessee 9 PM

February 19 Alabama 1 PM

February 23 LSU 9 PM