North Carolina Central vs Kentucky Prediction 12/9/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a North Carolina Central vs Kentucky prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, December 9th at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

North Carolina Central Eagles Betting Preview

The North Carolina Central Eagles are 3-8 this season after they lost to NC A&T by a score of 69-54 in their last game. North Carolina Central led 35-26 at halftime, but they were outscored 43-19 in the second half for the ugly loss. The Eagles shot 27% from the field, 11% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Dionte Johnson led NC Central with 12 points and three assists, while Khouri Carvey added 10 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, North Carolina Central lost to James Madison by a score of 67-62, but did beat a non-D1 team by a score of 109-61 before that. The Eagles have scored 71.1 points per game with 33.2 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.2 points against per game this season. Gage Lattimore is averaging 19.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, while Khouri Carvey is averaging 14.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Eagles. NC Central is shooting 40.1% from the field, 74.7% on free throws, and 32.6% on three pointers this season. 

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats are 5-4 this year after they lost to Gonzaga by a score of 94-59 in their last game. Kentucky trailed 43-20 at halftime and allowed 51 points in the second half for the blowout loss. The Wildcats shot 27% from the field, 21% on three pointers, and 77% on free throws in the game. Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 16 points and five assists, while Collin Chandler added 11 points and two rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Kentucky lost to North Carolina by a score of 67-64, but did beat Tennessee Tech by a score of 104-54 before that. The Wildcats have scored 83.6 points per game with 42.8 rebounds and 18.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.0 points against per game this season. Otega Oweh is averaging 13.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while Denzel Aberdeen is averaging 12.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. Kentucky is shooting 47.4% from the field, 75% on free throws, and 31.9% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win

• Kentucky has won each of its last 10 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• North Carolina Central has lost each of its last nine night games against non-Conference opponents.
• North Carolina Central has lost the first half in each of its last seven night games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty-four of Kentucky’s last 30 night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
• Fourteen of North Carolina Central’s last 18 night games have produced a total of 147+ points.

North Carolina Central vs Kentucky Prediction 

Kentucky comes into this matchup after back to back losses against Gonzaga and UNC, so they will be looking to get back on track here. The Wildcats are shooting 47% from the field and they have dominated lesser competition, winning by 50 against Tennessee Tech and 42 against Loyola-MD. North Carolina Central is 0-7 on the road and they are shooting just 40% from the field. I think Kentucky will come out mad after their poor showing against Gonzaga and I expect them to run up the score here. Take the Wildcats to cover.

David Racey's Pick: Kentucky -38.5