Kentucky basketball will face a dangerous Virginia Tech Hokies squad on Saturday. Who gets more points in the battle of high-powered offenses?
TV schedule: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET. ESPN2
Arena: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
John Calipari and the No.8 Kentucky Wildcats (8-1) have yet to lose again after suffering a defeat in the Champions Classic to Kansas. There have been concerns about their margin of victories in games against inferior opponents, but, considering the upsets that have happened, fans will gladly take the win and run.
The margin of victory of last week’s game against Monmouth was 17 points, led by Hamidou Diallo. He and Kevin Knox have separated themselves from the rest of the young squad as to top options on offense. 93 points were the number of points scored by Kentucky, which is actually less than the average of the next team coming to town.
Virginia Tech (9-1) comes in officially as the best offense in all of college basketball, ranking first in both scoring offense (96.2 ppg) and offensive rating (126.2). Six players average double figures, with senior Justin Bibbs leading the way with 17.5 ppg. In a rotation filled with upperclassmen, freshman Nickeil Alexander-Walker has carved out a role for himself, averaging 14.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg.
Like Kentucky, the Hokies also scored 93 points in a 53 point blowout over Maryland-Eastern Shore. The only blemish on the resume thus far is a weird loss to St. Louis, but, otherwise, they have shown to be a tough foe to play.
For Buzz Williams and VT, this game is a huge opportunity for a resume-defining win before ACC play comes. Of course, the league has a number of games to do that, but having a road win over Kentucky is a great ace in the hole to have.
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In the case of Kentucky, this will be by far the best offense they’ve played and will be the ultimate guide for how far they’ve come as well as how far they have yet to go on the defensive end. Because the game is in Rupp Arena, it’s hard to go against the Wildcats. But either way, those betting on the game should absolutely take the over.
Prediction: Kentucky 95 – Virginia Tech 90