Kentucky-Abilene Christian Betting Odds: Opening Spread, Analysis for 2019 NCAA Tournament

#2 Kentucky vs. #15 Abilene Christian NCAA Tournament Betting Odds

• Spread: Kentucky -23
• Over/Under: 132
• Date: Thursday, March 21
• Time: 7:10 p.m., ET
• Location: Jacksonville, Fl.
• TV: CBS

Kentucky's Statistical Profile

At 26-5 overall and 15-3 in conference, Kentucky finished one game behind LSU in the regular season SEC standings. Interestingly, the Wildcats throttled the Tennessee Volunteers 86-69 at home, but lost to them 71-52 in Knoxville.

The two team's met again in the SEC Tournament seminfinals, with Tennessee topping Kentucky, 82-78, in a thriller. Despite the loss, Kentucky remains among KenPom's top eight team in the country and is certainly capable of making a deep run into April. — PJ Walsh

• Record: 27-6
• Adj. Efficiency Rank: 8
• Adj. Offensive Efficiency Rank: 14
• Adj. Defensive Efficiency Rank: 8
• Tempo Rank: 260

All advanced metrics via KenPom as of Friday, March 15

Abilene Christian's Statistical Profile

After moving from DII to DI in 2013, Abilene Christian has made their first NCAA Tournament appearance by taking home the Southland Conference Title. Their best win of the season? I don’t know. They didn’t really have any despite a 26-6 record.

Ranked 152nd in the nation per KenPom’s adjusted efficiency ratings, the Wildcats were shellacked by Texas Tech in the only game against a legit opponent this year. With six straight wins heading into the tournament, they’re certainly hot at the right time, but it would be a Cinderella story for them to even come close to winning a game in the big dance this year. — Mark Gallant

• Record: 27-6
• Adj. Efficiency Rank: 145
• Adj. Offensive Efficiency Rank: 186
• Adj. Defensive Efficiency Rank: 119
• Tempo Rank: 254

All advanced metrics via KenPom as of Friday, March 15

Kentucky-Abilene Christian Instant Bracket, Betting Picks

John Calipari came on the Bracket Selection show and mentioned his team is focused on Abilene Christian, but it wouldn't be surprising if they were looking ahead to a hot-shooting mid-major like Wofford.

Abilene Christian grade out well in a few important metrics that should get this cover home. It is 19th in 3-point percentage and 8th in opponent turnover rate.

The underdog will not turn the ball over while having no pressure on the perimeter to shoot it deep, as Kentucky ranks 213th in opponent 3-point percentage.

Its worth noting these teams have an adjusted tempo of 254th and 265th, giving even more value to a point spread north of 20.

Early ATS lean: Abilene Christian
Early bracket pick: Kentucky — Collin

Sean Koerner's Kentucky-Abilene Christian Projections

Sean Koerner's proprietary projections also power our Bracket Simulator, which helps you find the most optimal bracket for your pool size.

• Spread: Kentucky -22.5
• Total: 133
• Proj Score: Kentucky 78 | Abilene Christian 55.5
• Win Probability: Kentucky 99.3% | Abilene Christian 0.7%