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NCAA Basketball: Best Bets for the Big 12/SEC Challenge

By Bryce Bennett

Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) brings the ball up court against Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Lamar Peters (1) during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Kentucky Wildcats defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 88-81. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) brings the ball up court against Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Lamar Peters (1) during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Kentucky Wildcats defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs 88-81. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Kansas at No. 4 Kentucky (-7)

Now to the main event.

This line opened at Kentucky giving five but has ballooned to now eight points. 64 percent of all bets on VegasInsiders have gone to the Wildcats. However, with the line at eight now, it should give one some pause.

More from NCAA Basketball News

The big story in this one is the indefinite suspension of Kansas’ Carlton Bragg Jr. The forward only averages 6.1 points per game, but his absence kills Kansas’ depth. Bill Self was only playing a rotation of seven with Bragg in the lineup. He now has only eight scholarship players available on the roster. Depth in the front court is terrifyingly thin.

This should open the door for Kentucky’s Edrice Adebayo. The big freshman is averaging over 13 a game and grabbing seven rebounds. A big game could be in line.

Still, the guards will be the focal point of this match-up. Kansas’ Frank Mason III, Devonte’ Graham and Josh Jackson will face off against Kentucky’s Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox and Isaiah Briscoe. It could be the best collection of guards in one game this entire season.

I don’t think one set of guards holds the edge over the other. Expect both sides to play well and play at a breakneck pace.

So who to play today? I would still roll with Kentucky. I think it will be close in the first half and Kansas will not be phased by the raucous atmosphere, but as the second half rolls on, expect Kentucky to pull away. Kansas is playing its second road game this week and depth is a major concern. I would take Kentucky in an 8-10 point win.

Pick: Kentucky (-7)

Next: Three things to watch in Kentucky versus Kansas match-up

Enjoy the games today and good luck padding your wallet! Check back next week to see a recap and more selections as we roll through the heart of the college basketball season.

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