ESPN's matchup predictor believes Kentucky will lose to Alabama in Rupp Arena

Can Kentucky beat Alabama in Rupp Arena?

Kentucky lost on a buzzer-beater to the LSU Tigers, but they won't have time to hang their head as a tough matchup with Alabama lies ahead.

The Crimson Tide are the best team in the SEC, now, 11-2 in conference play, on their way to an SEC Regular Season Title. Kentucky's loss to LSU put their chances of winning this title on life support, but a win over the Crimson Tide would be a good start.

ESPN doesn't believe the Kentucky Wildcats will defeat the Crimson Tide as it gives Alabama a 61.6% chance to win this game in Rupp Arena. It's not often you see a road team favored to win in Rupp Arena, but that will likely be the case on Saturday. Kentucky needs to bounce back from this painful loss to LSU with a big win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Nick Alvarez of AL.com wrote this about Alabama's win over Florida in overtime, "Head coach Nate Oats credited Nelson with the best game of the season and applauded Walters for his growth as a freshman — Walters swished a season-high four 3-pointers as Alabama (19-7, 11-2 SEC) rallied in the second half to beat Florida (18-8, 8-5), 98-93 in overtime. Nelson produced a team-best 22 points with six blocks and eight rebounds."

Alabama is a really good offensive team, meaning Kentucky's defense will need to have a good showing. If Alabama makes their threes, they are nearly unbeatable, so the Wildcats need to extend the three-point line.

Kentucky will have an opportunity to prove ESPN wrong if they can beat the talented Tide at home.