Kentucky vs Tennessee Prediction 1/28/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Kentucky vs Tennessee prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 28th at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats are 14-5 (3-3) this year after they lost to Vanderbilt by a score of 74-69 in their last game. Kentucky trailed 41-27 at halftime, but they did score 42 points in the second half in the close loss. The Wildcats shot 48.1% from the field, 39.1% on three-pointers, and 61.5% on free throws in the game. Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Ansley Almonor added 12 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Alabama by a score of 102-97 but did beat Texas A&M by a score of 81-69 before that. Kentucky has lost three of their last five games and they are currently 10th in the SEC standings. Kentucky has scored 88.1 points per game and they have allowed 76.0 points per game, while also averaging 40.8 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game this season. Otega Oweh is averaging 15.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while Lamont Butler is averaging 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this year. Kentucky is shooting 48.4% from the field, 73.8% on free throws, and 36.9% on three-pointers this season. Kentucky will face Arkansas, Ole Miss, and South Carolina following this game.

Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers are 17-3 (4-3) this season after they lost to Auburn by a score of 53-51 in their last game. Tennessee trailed 22-20 at halftime, but they did score 31 points in the second half in the narrow loss. The Volunteers shot 31.5% from the field, 18.2% on three-pointers, and 81.3% on free throws in the game. Zakai Zeigler led Tennessee with 14 points and six rebounds, while Chaz Lanier added 10 points and two rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Volunteers defeated Mississippi State by a score of 68-56 but did lose to Vanderbilt by a score of 76-75 before that. Tennessee has won three of their last five games and they are currently tied for fifth in the SEC standings. Tennessee has scored 75.1 points per game and they have allowed 58.4 points per game, while also averaging 38.4 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game this season. Chaz Lanier is averaging 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while Zakai Zeigler is averaging 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this year. Tennessee is shooting 45.2% from the field, 76% on free throws, and 34.2% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Kentucky will beat Tennessee

• Kentucky has won each of its last four night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Kentucky has won the first half in three of its last four games against Tennessee.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Kentucky’s last eight games against AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 149+ points.
• Each of Tennessee’s last 12 Tuesday night games against the Southeastern Conference have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Prediction 

Kentucky comes into this matchup trying to snap a two-game losing streak, but they will be on the road for this contest. The Wildcats just lost to Vanderbilt on the road and they also had a road loss against Georgia earlier this year. Kentucky is scoring over 88 points per game, but their defense has not been good enough. Tennessee has lost two of their last three games, including a loss to Vanderbilt on the road as well. The Volunteers aren’t a great offensive team, but they are one of the best defensive teams in the country. Tennessee has been very solid at home this year and while I don’t think Kentucky will get the win, I do think their offense will keep this game close. Take Kentucky with the points.