Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Prediction, Picks and Odds: Bet Vanderbilt +6 on Feb 19

The SEC chaos continues, and we have a spicy rematch on deck. Kentucky has been all over the place this season—knocking off Tennessee (twice) but also taking L’s to Arkansas and Georgia. Consistency? Never heard of it.

Vanderbilt, meanwhile, is in NCAA Tournament limbo. They’re hanging on as a projected 10 or 11 seed, and a road win in Lexington would be a resume booster. The Commodores have already beaten Kentucky once, and with the Wildcats missing key pieces in the backcourt, this game could be much closer than the books suggest.

Let’s break down my best college basketball predictions today, with Kentucky as a 6-point favorite and the total sitting at a lofty 162.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Prediction

Kentucky 94, Vanderbilt 90 Despite being a competitive team, Vanderbilt’s tendency to squander leads could be their downfall against a strong Kentucky offense. Kentucky will win the game but Vanderbilt will cover the spread.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky How to Watch

• Game: Vanderbilt (17-8, 5-7 SEC) vs Kentucky (17-8, 6-6 SEC)
• Date/Time: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
• Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Live Stream: Fubo.tv

Get the latest Vanderbilt vs Kentucky betting trends here.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Spread, Over/Under Picks

1. Vanderbilt ATS +6

On paper, Kentucky should be better than Vanderbilt. They’re ranked 19th in KenPom, boast a top-five offense in efficiency, and can run up the score with the best of ‘em.

But reality? Kentucky is a mess. They’ve lost five of their last eight, are only .500 in SEC play, and just choked away a late lead against Texas. On top of that, they’re missing key guards, meaning they’re rolling with a fourth-string point guard (Travis Perry) in a must-win game.

UPSET COMPLETE!

Vanderbilt takes down No. 16 Kentucky, 74-62. pic.twitter.com/8gQQhe071o

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 27, 2016

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt beat Kentucky once this season and has the tools to do it again. They force turnovers at a high clip (26th in the nation in turnover rate) and should have no problem pressuring Kentucky’s makeshift backcourt.

So, if you’re debating on this college basketball spread, go with Vanderbilt. The Commodores might be 1-5 in SEC road games, but they’ve been competitive in their losses, nearly taking down Tennessee in their last outing. This spread feels too high given how Kentucky has played against bottom-tier SEC teams (1-4 ATS vs teams with a losing conference record).

Bet on Vanderbilt +6

2. Bet Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Over 162

Both of these teams can score, and while Kentucky has defensive issues, that actually helps our Over.

• Kentucky ranks 275th in opponent points per game.
• Vanderbilt is even worse at 287th.
• Both teams rank outside the top 175 in defensive efficiency.

Translation: Neither one plays much defense.

Vanderbilt is 35th in the nation in scoring and 19th in first-half points. They love to push the pace early, and Kentucky will gladly run with them. In their first meeting, the teams combined for 143 points, but Vanderbilt struggled from three (just 6 for 22). If the Commodores hit their shots at their usual rate, this game should soar past 161.5.

Kentucky also has no choice but to play fast—their depth issues at guard mean they’ll rely on their athletic bigs and transition offense to generate points. If the Wildcats can get hot from deep (Vanderbilt allows 41% 3PT shooting in SEC play, one of the worst marks in the country), this one could get wild.

The first matchup leaned Under, but given Vanderbilt’s improved scoring and Kentucky’s defensive struggles, expect fireworks this time.

Kentucky should win this game, but Vanderbilt has proven they can keep up. The Commodores’ ability to force turnovers, combined with Kentucky’s injury issues, makes 5.5 points too much to lay. And with both teams playing fast and struggling defensively, this game going over the NCAAB odds is a juicy bet.

Bet on Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Over 162

More College Basketball Picks and Best Bets For February 19

• NC State vs North Carolina Prediction, Picks and Odds for Feb 19
• Alabama vs Missouri Prediction, Picks and Odds: Over 170 Best Bet on February 19

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Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets