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Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky Prediction and Odds: Hilltoppers Gunning for a Second Straight Upset Win

By Matt De Saro

Western Kentucky is coming off a huge upset win over Louisville. Can they go for two in a row against the Kentucky Wildcats tonight?
Western Kentucky is coming off a huge upset win over Louisville. Can they go for two in a row against the Kentucky Wildcats tonight? / Alton Strupp/Courier Journal / USA TODAY
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We have COVID-19 cancellations to thank for this game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the No. 20 Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats were supposed to continue their heated rivalry with the Louisville Cardinals tonight but the game was postponed due to COVID issues with the Cardinals. Instead, the Wildcats get another tune-up game and are 12-point favorites over the Hilltoppers tonight.

HC Rick Stansbury has a good squad though and they should not be underestimated. The Hilltoppers are coming off a massive win over Louisville by 10 points at home and would love to keep that momentum going with an upset win at the Rupp Arena. 

Meanwhile, the Wildcats are coming off a blowout win over the North Carolina Tar Heels 98-69 as a short favorite. They are in great shape to repeat that performance tonight with a better team all-around than the Hilltoppers. 

Here are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Western Kentucky +12 (-110)
  • Kentucky -12 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Western Kentucky +470
  • Kentucky -660

Total: 140.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky Prediction and Pick

The big question here is whether or not the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers can repeat their performance after beating UNC. It's worth noting that the Tar Heels game was a replacement game much like tonight will be.

Jamarion Sharp has been the difference-maker lately and the Hilltoppers are 7-1 since moving him into the starting lineup. The 7-foot-5 center is currently the tallest player in the country and is averaging 10.3 PPG and 8.9 RPG in 25.4 minutes per game.

The junior is a force in the paint on both ends of the court and is averaging a ridiculous six blocks per game. He leads the nation in block percentage at 19.7 and total blocks. If the Tops have any shot at back-to-back upsets, they will need a big defensive performance from the big man. 

I think that the Hilltoppers are riding a massive wave of momentum after their underdog win and are a dangerous team right now. While I don’t think they manage to beat Louisville and Kentucky in the same season, they are a good bet to cover tonight. 

Pick: Western Kentucky +12 (-110)

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