After three straight Quad 1 wins, Kentucky is trending in the right direction as the postseason nears, with the Wildcats (19-9, 10-5 SEC) on the verge of 20 wins and Auburn on an SEC duel on Saturday comes to town. The Tigers (19-9, 9-6) are also on the precipice of 20 wins but are trying to get out of a funk of six losses in their last nine games.
The victory at the Rupp Arena will be a big challenge for the Tigers, who last won an away game against South Carolina on Jan. 21. Auburn has been 0-4 away from home since but still presents a challenge for the Wildcats, who have been 8-2 in their last 10 SEC games.
The duel to watch in this game is Auburn center Johni Broome versus Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe. Broome leads the Tigers in scoring, blocking 2.5 shots per game, which is third in the SEC. Broome’s two-way production has been crucial for the Tigers this season amid poor outside shots and last season’s losses to front-court stars Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler.
Key to Britain’s recent surge is guard Antonio Reeves, who has averaged 15.1 points in his last 14 games while embarking on an increased workload. But it’s only in the last four games that Reeves has stepped into the starting lineup after injuries to Sahvir Wheeler and CJ Fredrick. Without those two rotation players, the Wildcats are down for depth but still need talent. Five-star rookie wing Chris Livingston is the reigning SEC rookie of the week and has started to find an offensive rhythm this month.
How to watch Kentucky vs. Auburn live
Date: Saturday, February 25 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Rupp Arena – Lexington, Kentucky
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Kentucky vs. Auburn prediction, tips
Latest Odds:
Kentucky Wildcats -4
Auburn’s only SEC road wins are against Ole Miss, LSU and South Carolina, which are the bottom three teams in the league. The Tigers have lost their last four away and this is the wrong time to play in Kentucky. The Wildcats salvaged their previously faltering season and a win here can move them closer to a bye in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals. Prediction: Kentucky -4
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