The Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for another battle against a familiar foe, Gonzaga, in a high-stakes matchup that has oddsmakers favoring the Bulldogs. Since initiating a six-year series in 2022, Gonzaga has held the upper hand, and Vegas predicts the trend may continue this Saturday night in Seattle.
Point Spread Breakdown
FanDuel has Kentucky listed as a 5.5-point underdog with a high-scoring total projected at 163.5 points. Betting enthusiasts can grab Kentucky at 2-1 odds on the moneyline. On DraftKings, Gonzaga is a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under set slightly higher at 164.5 points. Analytical site KenPom gives Gonzaga an edge, projecting an 86-80 victory for the Bulldogs.
Recent History Favors Gonzaga
Gonzaga has proven to be a tough challenge for Kentucky in recent years. The Bulldogs, led by Drew Timme at the time, dominated their first series meeting with an 88-72 win in Spokane during the 2022-23 season. Last year’s clash in Rupp Arena was much closer, but Gonzaga still emerged victorious, edging Kentucky 89-85 in a nail-biter.
Season Comparisons
Both teams head into this top-10 showdown boasting 7-1 records. Kentucky is recovering from a tough road loss to Clemson earlier in the week, while Gonzaga’s only blemish came during Feast Week in the Battle 4 Atlantis, where they fell to West Virginia in an overtime thriller.
Against the Spread (ATS):
- Kentucky: 5-3 ATS, with the over hitting in three of the last five games.
- Gonzaga: 6-2 ATS, with overs hitting in six of their eight games, including their last three.
Historical Context
The Wildcats have only managed to defeat Gonzaga once in their history. That win came in 2002 during the Maui Invitational, when Tubby Smith’s squad, led by Keith Bogans’ 18 points, secured an 80-72 victory.
- Game Details and How to Tune In
- Matchup: No. 4 Kentucky (7-1) vs. No. 7 Gonzaga (7-1)
- Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 7 | 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
- TV Broadcast: ESPN2 (Jon Sciambi, Jimmy Dykes)
- Radio Coverage:
- UK Sports Network – 630 WLAP, iHeart Radio (Tom Leach, Goose Givens)
- Online Streaming: iHeart
- Satellite Radio: Sirius 106 or 190
Live Stats: Available via StatBroadcast
As Kentucky looks to rewrite its narrative against Gonzaga, fans can expect an intense showdown that could shape the trajectory of the Wildcats’ season. Will Kentucky overcome the odds, or will Gonzaga continue its dominance?