Tag: Kentucky

Utah vs. Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Utah Utes vs. Kentucky Wildcats betting odds and lines, with NCAA basketball betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Utah Utes (8-2, 0-0 PAC-12) and the Kentucky Wildcats (8-1, 0-0 SEC) tangle on a neutral-site floor at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 11 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Utah-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah vs. Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Kentucky G Ashton Hagans rolls in with 16.3 points and 8.7 assists per game across his past six outings.

2. Kentucky freshman G Tyrese Maxey is just 4-for-26 from the field across his past three games.

3. The Utes enter this game with a 29-29 record all-time in Las Vegas, while going 8-8 under head coach Larry Krystkowiak.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Utah vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 85, Utah 77

Moneyline (ML)

Kentucky (-769) is heavily favorited to win, but the ML is too chalky to warrant a wager. A $10 bet on the Wildcats to win outright returns a profit of just $1.30.

Against the Spread (ATS)

UTAH (+11.5, -110) will be able to keep it within single digits, mainly due to the erratic shooting of Maxey. While he has been playing lockdown defense, he has really struggled from the perimeter, and that’s his calling card. Until he gets on track, opponents of the Wildcats (-11.5, -110) will be able to reel them in.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 138.5 (-110) is the play here. Expect Kentucky to snap out of its shooting funk a little bit. The Over is 12-5 in Utah’s past 17 against teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. While it’s all Under all the time for Kentucky, some trends are made to be broken.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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John Calipari Takes in Notre Dame/Detroit Mercy

I see Calipari at Notre Dame and immediately have flashbacks to the close-call that was the 2015 Midwest Regional

There was an all-time college sports heel in attendance last night when Notre Dame’s basketball team got back in the win column after beating Detroit Mercy, 110-71.

Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari and his wife made the trip north from Lexington to take in the game, specifically to see their son Brad play and score 12 points for Mercy.

Calipari and Digger Phelps – I can only imagine those conversations.

I see Calipari at Notre Dame and immediately have flashbacks to the close-call that was the 2015 Midwest Regional final that the Irish lost in the closing seconds despite leading most the night and were that-close to ruining Kentucky’s perfect season.

Instead Wisconsin did so in the Final Four a round later.

Whatever the case at least Notre Dame handled business in a game against an inferior opponent. Hopefully last night breathes some air back into the lungs of a team that has looked largely dead the last week as a good showing against UCLA Saturday would be welcome.

A look at where Tennessee’s opponents will play in bowl games

A look at where Tennessee’s opponents will play in bowl games.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee will be in college football’s postseason for the first time in three years.

The Volunteers accepted an invitation to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 against Indiana in Jacksonville, Fla.

UT enters the game with a 7-5 record and in the midst of a five-game winning streak. The Hoosiers are 8-4.

Here’s a look at where Tennessee’s opponents will play in their bowl games.

  • Georgia State (7-5) will take on Wyoming (7-5) in the Arizona Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
  • BYU (7-5) will play Hawaii (9-5) in the Hawaii Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
  • Florida (10-2) will take on Virginia (9-4) in the Orange Bowl on Monday, Dec. 30.
  • Georgia (11-2) will play Baylor (11-2) in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020
  • Mississippi State (6-6) will play Louisville (7-5) in the Music City Bowl on Monday, Dec. 30.
  • Alabama (10-2) will play Michigan (9-3) in the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020.
  • UAB (9-4) will play Appalachian State (12-1) in the New Orleans Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 21.
  • Kentucky (7-5) will play Virginia Tech (8-4) in the Belk Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Jalen Green holding off on decision, talks Fresno State official

Prolific Prep combo guard Jalen Green said he won’t decide until his season is over.

Initially, Prolific Prep (Napa, California) combo guard Jalen Green said he was going to make his decision on Christmas but pushed it back to “after the season” in order to gather more information about schools.

RELATED: Chosen 25 Basketball Rankings

“I want to watch the games and see everything this season,” Green said. “I want to talk to them more and see what they’re views are and everything like that.”

Green, who checks in at No. 3 overall in USA Today Sport’s Chosen 25, has taken officials to Memphis, Oregon, Auburn, USC and most recently to Fresno State.

“It went good,” Green said of the visit to Fresno State. “I’m already close with Coach (Justin) Hutson and them out there. I’ve known them for a minute now. It was fun just catching up with them and talking to them and seeing what their plan was for me.”

RELATED: Sharife Cooper dominating senior season

Still, even with the officials in the books, Green was adamant that those schools were not his top five.

“I don’t even have a top five,” Green said. “I’m just watching everything and getting all of the information from different schools. I’m not rushing through anything because it’s a big decision.”

[opinary poll=”is-jalen-green-the-best-player-in-the-co” customer=”usatodayhss”]

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

Utah Valley-Kentucky odds: UK heavily favored over UVU

Previewing Monday’s Utah Valley Wolverines at Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball analysis and picks.

The Utah Valley Wolverines (3-1) head east to face the Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) at Rupp Arena Monday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Utah Valley-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Not many expected Utah Valley would have a win more recently than Kentucky, but the Wildcats were tripped up by Evansville last time out by a 67-64 score as 24.5-point favorites.

2. Kentucky’s offense has been sluggish, averaging just 74.7 points per game (PPG), and they’re 334th on 3-pointers at just 24.5 percent from behind the arc.

3. G Ashton Hagans (leg) is a question mark for Monday’s game against the Wolverines.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 79, Utah Valley 54

Moneyline (ML)

There is no moneyline for this game at the time of publishing due to the large spread, but even if one were to be released by tip-off, the risk is not worth the meager reward.

Against the Spread (ATS)

KENTUCKY (-24.5, -115) had cashed in nine straight games against the spread before its loss to the Purple Aces last time out. The Wildcats are also 5-2 ATS in the past seven at Rupp Arena.

Utah Valley (+24.5, -105) is just 1-5 ATS in the past six games overall, and 2-5 ATS in the past seven non-conference tilts. The Wolverines have three wins, but they haven’t faced a team remotely close to the caliber of Big Blue.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 136.5 (-121) is the play. Kentucky is still working out the kinks on offense, and should do just that against the Wolverines. However, UVU won’t contribute much to the total in this game where it’ll be quite overwhelmed. Look for freshman G Tyrese Maxey to show out in this one.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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The Isaiah Jackson Blog: This is why I chose Kentucky…

Kentucky’s newest commit Isaiah Jackson did an exclusive blog with USA Today Sports breaking down why he chose the Wildcats.

Waterford Mott (Waterford Township, Michigan) forward Isaiah Jackson is ranked No. 22 overall in USA Today Sports’ Chosen 25 for 2020 and just committed to Kentucky. He did an exclusive blog with USA Today Sports about the reasons behind his decision.

What’s up world, it’s Isaiah Jackson and as you can see I just committed to the University of Kentucky!

This was a dream come true for me.

RELATED: 17 Super 25 teams featured in GEICO ESPN Showcase

Once Coach Cal started recruiting me I feel like my passion for Kentucky just grew even more. Don’t get me wrong, it was a hard decision because all three of the schools recruiting me did a great job, but my heart was just with Kentucky.

I think the moment where it turned for Kentucky was after my visit to Alabama.

That’s when I sat down with my family and really talked about it and it was clear that I was going there. I just feel like it gives me the best chance to get better and the best chance to win.

The class we’re bringing in is gonna be crazy with myself, BJ, Terrence, Cam, Lance and Devin. I just feel like we have the right pieces to win a national title.

That’s what we all expect and we’re all already talking about it.

PRESEASON BASKETBALL COVERAGE:

Super 25 Boys Rankings | ALL-USA Boys | ALL-USA Girls

We’re not done either. I don’t know who I’ll go after right now, but I’m definitely gonna be recruiting guys hard to come to Kentucky.

The coaches at Kentucky are comparing me to Anthony Davis, just a guy who blocks shots, runs the floor, plays the pick-and-roll and shots the J. Obviously, Anthony Davis is one of the best players in the world so that’s big for me to hear, but it just motivates me to work harder.

When I told Coach Cal about my decision I could tell that he was really happy and excited; that made me even more excited.

I’m planning to sign my NLI today too so I’m gonna have it all over with and that’s a great feeling too.

Now, I can just focus on my season and my books.

Tonight I’ll probably go out to eat with my family to celebrate.

OK, guys I just wanted to explain my decision for you a little more in-depth, but I have to get going now.

Thanks again for reading and GO BBN!

[opinary poll=”will-kentucky-make-the-final-four-this-y” customer=”usatodayhss”]

Jonathan Kuminga retains top spot in new 2021 Chosen 25 Boys Basketball Recruiting Rankings

Jonathan Kuminga sits atop the updated Chosen 25 Boys Basketball Recruiting Rankings. Check out the top 25 recruits in the county.

The USA TODAY Chosen 25 Boys Basketball rankings for the Class of 2021 are compiled by Jason Jordan with input from USA TODAY Sports staff, recruiting experts and writers from around the country. The Chosen 25 is based heavily on current production – high school or spring/summer – on the stat sheet and otherwise. It also takes into account how the player projects as a prospect at the next level and beyond.

In all, six players in the new Chosen 25 made the ALL-USA preseason boys basketball team, including Patrick School (Hillside, New Jersey) wing Jonathan Kuminga, who retained his spot at No. 1.

Hamilton High School (Sussex, Wisconsin) wing Patrick Baldwin Jr., O’Dea High School (Seattle) forward Paolo Banchero, Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix) forward Michael Foster and Archbishop Stepniac High School (White Plains, New York) forward A.J. Griffin round out the top five.

With the start of the Early Signing Period a day behind us, here’s a look at our latest update in the Class of 2021.

[sigallery id=”NAeZ7QRaT2R9EjZCJa3WnR” title=”Chosen 25: 2021 Player Rankings” type=”sigallery”]

Top recruiting battles headed into basketball’s Early Signing Period

From Blue Blood battles to mid-majors trying to steal five-stars, we take a look at the top recruiting battles headed in to the Early Signing Period.

Months before elite college basketball programs duel on the hardwood they duke-it-out in high school gyms and in the living rooms of the top high school basketball players trying to lure them to their school.

From Duke and Clemson’s 11th hour battle for Zion Williamson to North Carolina’s fight with Oregon and others to land Cole Anthony, the recruiting trail has seen tumultuous battles over the years.

Recruiting: 2020 Chosen 25 Basketball Recruiting Rankings

Here’s a look at the top down-to-the-wire battles in college basketball recruiting for the 2020 class.

Prolific Prep (California) guard Jalen Green (Photo: Rick Managan)

Jalen Green
School: Prolific Prep (Napa, California)
Position: Combo Guard
Height/Weight: 6-5/180
Considering: Auburn, Memphis, Oregon, Fresno State, USC

The Buzz: Green originally said that he would make his announcement on Christmas Day, but now he’s reportedly planning to hold off until after his season ends. Green, ranked No. 3 in the Chosen 25, has already taken visits to each of his five schools and is receiving the full-court press not just from the coaches, but committed recruits at each school. Sharife Cooper, an Auburn commit who is ranked No. 2 in the Chosen 25, told USA Today Sports he “is coming hard” after Green.

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UT News: November 11, 2019

UT News: November 11, 2019

The Tennessee Volunteers escaped Lexington this past weekend with a huge comeback victory against the Kentucky Wildcats. The game was a must-win match against their SEC archrivals for a Vols team vying for a bowl game after a rough start to the season. In other news, the Lady Vols basketball team travels to South Bend to play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tonight, and the volleyball team swept Alabama this weekend. But first, take a look at some notes from the football game on Saturday.

Volunteers football notes

  • Nothing much went right for Tennessee in the first half of its crucial Southeastern Conference showdown at Kentucky Saturday night as the Volunteers trailed the Wildcats, 13-3, at halftime. Kentucky scored on its initial drive as UK quarterback Lynn Bowden gashed the Vols defense with his feet.
  • A late goal-line stand and a gutsy run from a wounded quarterback gave Tennessee a huge comeback victory Saturday night at Kentucky. Redshirt junior Jarrett Guarantano rushed for a big first down to seal a 17-13 Volunteers’ victory over Kentucky on a chilly night at Kroger Field.
  • Tennessee defeated Kentucky, 17-13, in the tenth game of the 2019 season. Following the conclusion of the Tennessee-Kentucky contest, Vols Wire provided game balls for the top UT players on offense, defense and special teams.

NEXT: Lady Vols face Notre Dame tonight

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