Kentucky vs. Stony Brook
9:40 p.m. ET, CBS
Line: Kentucky -14 Total: 143
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Trends: Kentucky 26-8 SU, 18-16 ATS, 19-14 O/U. Stony Brook 22-6 SU, 0-5-1 ATS, 4-2 O/U.
KenPom efficiency ratings: Kentucky 8 (overall), 1 (offense), 72 (defense). Stony Brook 93, 135, 61
Effective FG percentage: Kentucky 53.7, Stony Brook 53.2 EFG% against: Kentucky 44.9, Stony Brook 47.3
What to like about Kentucky — This isn't John Calipari's most talented team at Kentucky, mainly because a few five-star freshmen didn't make instant impacts and last year's team lost most of its depth. But the Wildcats seem to be clicking at the right time and their offense, guards Jamal Murray and Tyler Ulis in particular, lead the most efficient unit in the country.
What's not to like about Kentucky — The Wildcats get killed on the glass on the defensive end, ranking 270th in opponent's offensive rebounding. They also give up a ton of free throws. Kentucky could struggle with Stony Brook's front court and it isn't very deep, ranking 272nd in bench minutes.
What's to like about Stony Brook — Jameel Warney, the 6-8 senior forward who averages 19.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He scored 43 of Stony Brook's 80 points in the America East Tournament final. The Seawolves can rebound and block shots, and get most of their points from 2-pointers, though they can shoot the 3 (48th nationally in 3-point percentage). This team is balanced.
What's not to like about Stony Brook — Free throws. Stony Brook hits just 66.8 percent of its free throws, 292nd nationally, and doesn't get to the line all that much (277th). The Seawolves will also have trouble containing Kentucky's guards.
Pick: From The Linemakers' Micah Roberts:
Roberts likes Stony Brook getting 14 points.
More Thursday picks: Kansas-Austin Peay | Wichita-Arizona | Purdue-Arkansas LR
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