Wright State Raiders vs Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/4/24
Looking to win big? The Raiders and Wildcats face off at 7:00 ET on ESPNU. The Wildcats are hosting the game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 160.5 points, with Kentucky being favored by -21 over Wright State.
WRIGHT STATE RAIDERS VS KENTUCKY WILDCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Wright State Raiders +21
This game will be played at Rupp Arena at 7:00 ET on Monday, November 4th.
WHY BET THE WRIGHT STATE RAIDERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Wildcats.
- Even though we have Kentucky winning straight-up, we like Wright State at +21.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 160.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Will the Raiders Exceed Expectations on the Road?
Wright State Raiders Records
Last season, Wright State posted a 16-14 overall record, going 13-8 in Horizon League play. At home, they were 9-8 with a +5.1 average scoring margin, while on the road, they went 7-6, winning by an average of 1.2 points per game.
Against the spread, the Raiders were 13-17, including a 9-13 record as the favorite. They were favored in 22 games, winning 13 straight-up. Their over/under record was 22-7-1, with their games averaging 168.9 points per game.
Wright State Raiders Offense Stats
Wright State averaged 86.5 points per game last season, ranking 34th in possessions per game with 69.7. They shot 53% from the field, placing 14th nationally, and had an effective field goal percentage of 58% (16th). The Raiders made 6.8 threes per game, shooting 38% from beyond the arc (39th), while attempting 17.8 threes per game (327th). They also averaged 15.1 made free throws per game, ranking 92nd.
Wright State Raiders Top Returning Offensive Players
Brandon Noel returns after averaging 14.5 points and 8 rebounds per game last season. Alex Huibregtse also returns, having averaged 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Wright State struggled defensively last season, allowing 81.2 points per game, which ranked 338th in the nation. Opponents shot 34% from beyond the arc against them, placing the Raiders 338th in 3-point defense. They were 139th in free throws allowed, giving up 17.6 per game.
Wright State averaged 6.2 steals per game, ranking 206th nationally, and they were 281st in blocked shots, with 2.8 per game.
Pressure Builds for Kentucky as Home Favorites
Kentucky Wildcats Records
Last season, Kentucky finished with a 23-9 overall record, going 13-6 in SEC play. At home, they posted a 15-5 record, winning by an average margin of 12.4 points. On the road, they were 8-4, with a +5.3 scoring margin.
Against the spread, the Wildcats were 16-16, and they went 18-7 straight-up when favored. Their over/under record was 23-9, with an average of 169.1 points per game, compared to an average line of 158.7 points.
Kentucky’s offense was potent last season, averaging 89.4 points per game. They ranked 64th in possessions per game, playing at a moderate pace. The Wildcats were efficient, shooting 49% from the field, good for 28th in the nation, and had an effective field goal percentage of 57%, ranking 23rd. They made 9.9 three-pointers per game, 15th in the country, and shot 41% from beyond the arc, also 23rd.
Forward Ansley Almonor and guard Jaxson Robinson are key returners for Kentucky. Almonor averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, while Robinson contributed 13.8 points per game. Both players appeared in 32 games last year and will be crucial to the Wildcats’ offensive success this season.
Last season, Kentucky allowed 79.7 points per game, ranking 323rd in the nation. Opponents shot 32.3% from beyond the arc against them, placing the Wildcats 225th in 3-point defense. They also struggled with fouling, giving up 21.6 free throws per game, which was 288th in the country.
However, the Wildcats were much better in terms of steals and blocks. They averaged 7.7 steals per game, ranking 69th nationally, and their 6.3 blocks per game were 4th in the country.