By Pete Fiutak | March 16, 2017 12:56 am CT

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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– CFN March Madness Schedule & Fearless Predictions

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.