Davidson is back in the National Tournament after missing the Big Dance in each of the last two years. The Wildcats are not just here to take post selfies at Taco Bell Arena, though. They are here intending to go past the first round. But will they be able to take down Kentucky? Or will John Calipari’s boys stop Davidson on its tracks? Register here to make your pick.
Betting Preview for the Davidson Wildcats vs Kentucky Wildcats College Basketball Championship Tournament Round 1 Game on March 15 2018
Where: Taco Bell Arena, Boise
When: Thursday, March 15, 00:00 PM ET
Line: Davidson Wildcats (n/a) vs Kentucky Wildcats (n/a) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Davidson Wildcats (20-11)
Bid thief Davidson looks to take down a biggie in the first round, as the Wildcats take on Kentucky. They are definitely the underdog here, but the Wildcats are being partly buoyed up by the fact that they just defeated ranked-team Rhode Island in the Atlantic 10 Conference title game last Sunday, 58-57. Davidson’s defense is not too shabby. It has the ability to slow down opposing teams, as the Wildcats are allowing just 67.9 points per game. Their offense should not be overlooked either. They are 10th in the league with 17.1 assists per game, which gives them plenty of opportunities to score easy and wide-open baskets. In fact, Davidson is 21st nationally with a 48.6 field goal shooting percentage. KenPom has Davidson’s offense 18th in adjusted efficiency. Kentucky should not be looking forward in engaging in a shootout with Davidson, as the Wildcats bury 10.8 three-pointers per game on an exceptional 39.3 percent accuracy.
Betting on the Kentucky Wildcats (23-10)
The Wildcats are young, but they are maturing quick. They even won the SEC Tournament, after beating Tennessee in the conference’s championship game on Sunday, 77-72. The tandem of Kevin Knox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been doing wonders for the Wildcats. In the win over the Volunteers, Knox netted 18 points, while Alexander had 29 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field. While this Kentucky team isn’t as talented as the previous versions of the Wildcats, there is still enough weapons on this team to deal with a team like Davidson. The Wildcats are averaging 76.7 points per game and has a defense that lets only 70.2 points. Kentucky’s defense also limits opponents to only 40.7 field goal shooting percentage. Knox leads the team with 15.5 points per game, while Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up 13.4 per outing.
Writer’s Prediction
Davidson upsets Kentucky with a 75-73 win.
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