SEC Tournament: Texas A&M vs. Kentucky odds, picks and predictions
The No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats (23-8) battle the Texas A&M Aggies (19-13) in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals from Bridgestone Arena Friday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Texas A&M vs. Kentucky odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Kentucky is No. 9 in the Paste BN Sports Coaches Poll. The Wildcats finished 2nd in the SEC and will be taking on the 7th-seeded Aggies. Kentucky had a 13-5 SEC record, averaging 89.5 points per game during the regular season. It went 18-13 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 5-3 ATS over its last 8.
The Aggies beat the Ole Miss Rebels 80-71 Thursday, covering as 5.5-point favorites. They played Kentucky once this season, winning by 5 at home and covering as 3-point favorites. Texas A&M has covered 4 in a row but was just 14-17 ATS on the season. Its weakness is its offensive efficiency, shooting just 39.7% from the field.
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Texas A&M vs. Kentucky odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Texas A&M +136 (bet $100 to win $136) | Kentucky -164 (bet $164 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Texas A&M +3.5 (-110) | Kentucky -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 160.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Texas A&M vs. Kentucky picks and predictions
Prediction
Kentucky 88, Texas A&M 86
Moneyline
BET KENTUCKY (-164).
The Wildcats have 1 of the worst defenses in the conference, but their offensive weapons are undeniably among the top in the nation. They have scored at least 90 in 4 of their last 5 games and have allowed fewer than 90 in 4 straight. They score with ease and often more than their opponent.
The Aggies have scored 75 or fewer points in 5 of their last 7 games, so they may struggle -- although they didn't earlier in the season -- to keep up with the high-octane Kentucky offense. The Aggies had a stretch from Feb. 13-28 where they lost 5 in a row. They don't have as many dynamic weapons and have struggled too often this season.
Despite the value, back KENTUCKY (-164).
Against the spread
PASS.
The lone regular-season matchup between these teams was close, and this should be as well. Avoid the risk of a late cover for the Aggies, and back the Wildcats on the moneyline instead of the spread.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 160.5 (-105).
The Aggies like to push the pace just like the Wildcats do. Texas A&M has gone Over in 9 of their last 11 games, scoring at least 80 in 2 straight. They put up 97 on Kentucky earlier in the season and 89 before overtime in that matchup. In that battle, they put up 89 despite shooting 40% from the field.
With the Cats also an offensive-minded team, going 22-9 O/U on the season, they should look to run too. Kentucky has gone Over in 4 of its last 5, notching 110 or more points in 2 of those games and 85 or more in all 5.
Considering the trends for both teams, back OVER 160.5 (-105).
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