Las Vegas NCAA Free Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide vs Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday, January 21, 2012
by Joe Rodriguez
Alabama's vaunted defense will be tested again when it travels to Rupp Arena for a game with No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats, which features one of the best offenses in the nation.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, losers of two straight, are coming of their worst SEC defensive effort of the season, ending a six-game streak of holding opponents to 60 or fewer points. Both teams rank among top 10 in field goal percentage defense; Kentucky allows 35.8 percent (second in the NCAA) and Alabama allows 37 percent (sixth).
Kentucky's offense, slowed in back-to-back road games, appeared rejuvenated in its last start, and the Wildcats underrated defense hasn't allowed more than 64 points during its current 10-game winning streak. Kentucky has won seven of the last 10 meetings, but the teams split two games last year.
- Alabama Crimson Tide @ Kentucky Wildcats
When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 21, 2012
Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
TV: Noon, ET. CBS
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Justbet Sportsbook currently have the Wildcats listed as 11-point favorites versus the Crimson Tide.
Alabama Crimson Tide (13-5): The normally reliable Tony Mitchell was shut down against Vanderbilt, failing to score a point in 31 minutes. It was the first time Mitchell has been held scoreless in 85 career games. Even all-conference forward JaMychal Green managed only six points. That duo, which combines to average 27.4 points, must regain its effectiveness to have a chance against Kentucky. Guard Trevor Releford has scored in double figures in seven of the last eight games. Uncertain is the status of Andrew Steele who played only three minutes in the first half before leaving because of dizziness. Steele has a history of concussions and was being monitored.
Kentucky Wildcats (18-1): Freshman Anthony Davis is coming off a career-high 27-point game against Arkansas. Davis now has 89 blocked shots and owns the single-season record; he leads the nation with 4.6 blocks per game. Davis is certain to have numerous opportunities for blocks with Alabama's inside game. Terrence Jones (11.8 points) has been in double figures in five straight games and is averaging 11.8 points. The Wildcats have five players averaging in double figures, led by Doron Lamb (14.0), Davis (13.8) and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist were added to the midseason list of 25 players under consideration for the John Wooden Award.
1. Kentucky has shot 50 percent from the field in 10 games; the Cats hit 57.1 percent against Arkansas.
2. Kentucky has won 46 consecutive home games, the longest active streak in the nation.
3. These are the best two free throw shooting teams in the SEC; Kentucky is making 71.8 percent, Alabama is making 71.2 percent.
BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Wildcats 69, Crimson Tide 62.
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alabama crimson tide - andrew steele - anthony davis - doron lamb - jamychal green - kentucky wildcats - michael kidd-gilchrist - rupp arena - terrence jones - tony mitchell
