ESPN predicts the winner between the Kentucky Wildcats and Arkansas Razorbacks
The Kentucky Wildcats have won back-to-back big games, taking down the Alabama Crimson Tide in Rupp Arena and then winning via a buzzer-beater in Starkville.
Now, the Wildcats have a less challenging game coming up, as the Arkansas Razorbacks will be in Lexington. Mayor of Fayetteville Antonio Reeves had 24 points the first time these two teams met as the Wildcats won a dog fight 63-57.
While Arkansas has had a rough year, this team is still full of athletes and can have a boom game where they score a ton if you don't defend. For example, Razorback guard Khalif Battle scored 42 points against Missouri last week, shooting 11-15 from the field and 6-10 from three. If Kentucky doesn't continue to play high-intensity defense, a performance like this from the visiting team could lead to a loss.
ESPN's analytics don't seem to share this concern about this game, as they give Kentucky a 93.1% to take down the Hogs in Rupp Arena. This is the final Saturday game in Rupp Arena, so despite it not being against a great opponent, you can expect an electric atmosphere.
It would be good to see Zvonimir Ivisic have a good game against the Hogs as he is the x-factor for Kentucky to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
If Kentucky is able to take down the Razorbacks on Saturday and then beat Vanderbilt the following Wednesday, it would set up a massive blockbuster battle between the Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville to conclude the regular season.
