Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/7/24

The Bulldogs and Wildcats are set to face off at 10:00 ET on ESPN2. The Wildcats will host the game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. Gonzaga is the -6 point favorites in this non-conference matchup against Kentucky. The over/under for the game is set at 167 points.

GONZAGA BULLDOGS VS KENTUCKY WILDCATS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Kentucky Wildcats +6

This game will be played at Climate Pledge Arena at 10:00 ET on Saturday, December 7th.

WHY BET THE KENTUCKY WILDCATS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Wildcats.
• Not only will Kentucky pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +6.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 167 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Will the Bulldogs Find a Way to Win in Seattle?

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

The Bulldogs improved to 7-1 on the season with a 90-65 win over Davidson on Friday. Gonzaga, who were -18.5 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.

Gonzaga led 42-31 at halftime and outscored Davidson 48-34 in the second half. The combined points of 155 just went over the O/U line of 154.5.

Gonzaga’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 90 points with a field goal percentage of 54.7% and an effective field goal percentage of 59.4%. They were dominant inside, hitting 60.4% of their two-point attempts, while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they were nearly perfect, connecting on 14 of 15 attempts (93.3%).

The Bulldogs dished out 24 assists and grabbed 8 offensive rebounds. Ben Gregg led the way with 24 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 80% from the field in just 23 minutes. Reed Bailey added 19 points, and Graham Ike contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Defensively, Gonzaga held their opponent to 65 points, allowing them to shoot 43% from the field on 29 of 66 attempts. Inside the arc, the Bulldogs gave up 22 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 59% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Gonzaga’s defense was more effective, limiting their opponent to 7 made threes on 29 attempts, just 24% shooting. The Bulldogs also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 16 times, where they converted 11 of those attempts for 68%.

Will the Wildcats Defense Show Up at Home?

On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season, falling to 7-1 after a 70-66 defeat to Clemson. Kentucky, who were -1.5 favorites going into the game, failed to cover the spread. The combined points for the game were 136, falling well short of the 158.5 O/U line.

Kentucky trailed 37-30 at halftime but outscored Clemson 36-33 in the second half. However, it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

Kentucky’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 38.1% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range, hitting 7 of 27 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 44.4%, and they connected on 11 of 18 free throws, shooting 61.1% from the line.

Ian Schieffelin grabbed 20 rebounds, including 15 on the offensive end, despite shooting 4 of 20 overall and 1 of 8 from three. Otega Oweh led the team with 17 points, while Lamont Butler added 16 points and 5 assists in just 19 minutes, shooting 66.7% from the field and 50% from three.

Defensively, Kentucky held their opponent to 70 points on 36% shooting from the field, including 40% on two-point attempts (16/40). From beyond the arc, they allowed 8 threes on 25 attempts, a 32% shooting rate.

At the free-throw line, Kentucky’s opponent shot 73%, making 14 of 19 attempts. The Wildcats also gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.