Kentucky (30-5) vs. Wichita State (31-4) Prediction & Game Preview
NCAA Tournament: Kentucky vs. Wichita State fearless prediction and game preview.
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Broadcast
Date: Sunday, March 19
Game Time: 2:40 ET
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Network: CBS
All You Really Need To Know About Kentucky
The panic sirens might have gone off after struggling to a 79-70 win over Northern Kentucky, but Kentucky was fine. It just couldn’t hit from three, only making 3-of-19 tries. However, there were problems on the boards, the intensity wavered, and there were 12 turnovers, but it was a win in the NCAA Tournament – not the Cats have to be a lot better.
Kentucky wins by simply being more high-powered than everyone else, cranking up the offense averaging 86 points per game with a fast style and excellent play around the rim. However, the NKU game was indicative of the shooting, doing a mediocre job from behind the arc and only averaging 7.1 threes per game.
All You Really Need To Know About Wichita State
Ridiculously underseeded at the 10, the Shockers showed why with a fantastic performance in the 64-58 win over Dayton. The Shockers were just okay from the field, but the defense was outstanding, holding the Flyers to 31% from field.
The defense has been one of the best in the country all season, ranking fourth in field goal defense to go along with an offense that hits 41% of the time from beyond the arc. Fifth in the country in rebounding and great at not turning the ball over, this is a scary, scary team for Kentucky.
What’s Going To Happen
It’ll be a back-and-forth war. Kentucky will attack the rim and keep on running, but Wichita State can bomb away, too, averaging 82 points per game – and it’s not going to be so miserable from three again.
The Shockers have to be more careful with the ball, though, and can’t turn it over like they did against Dayton. This is a team with the right attitude, the right mix, and the right skills to pull off the big win over a team that just isn’t consistent enough.
Complete bracket filled out by ATS’ experts
Fearless Prediction & Line
Wichita State 85, Kentucky 82
Line: Kentucky -4.5, 0/u: 153
ATS Confidence: 2
5: Leave Vegas richer in body, mind & spirit
1: Leave the sportsbook, get tickets for Menopause The Musical or Puppetry of the Penis