Kentucky Wildcats vs Colgate Raiders Picks and Predictions December 11th 2024

No. 5 Kentucky Looks to Build Momentum Against Colgate

After a dramatic overtime win against Gonzaga, the No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats return home to host Colgate on Wednesday in Lexington, Ky. The Wildcats aim to capitalize on their momentum and continue their high-scoring dominance against a struggling Raiders squad.

Kentucky: Riding High After a Thrilling Comeback

The Wildcats (8-1) showcased resilience and grit in their 90-89 overtime victory over Gonzaga, overcoming a 16-point halftime deficit to secure their second win against a top-10 opponent this season. Kentucky also defeated then-No. 6 Duke in November, establishing themselves as a team to beat under new coach Mark Pope.

Key Players and Adjustments

• Andrew Carr: The Wake Forest transfer led the Wildcats with 19 points against Gonzaga, demonstrating his ability to step up in critical moments.
• Jaxson Robinson: With 18 points and crucial minutes at point guard, Robinson filled in admirably after injuries to Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa.
• Injury Updates: Butler is listed as day-to-day with a minor ankle injury, while Kriisa’s broken foot will sideline him indefinitely.

Strengths

Kentucky leads the nation in scoring at 92.6 points per game and maintains a solid rebounding margin of +7.7. Their ability to adapt and excel under pressure was evident in their recent performances, especially against elite competition.

Colgate: Searching for Solutions

The Raiders (2-8) are facing a tough season, struggling offensively and missing key players. Their 67.1 points per game rank near the bottom of Division I, and they are being outrebounded by an average of 4.5 boards per game.

Challenges

• Offensive Woes: Shooting just 43.7 percent from the field, Colgate has struggled to find consistent scoring.
• Size Deficiency: With 6-foot-11 senior Jeff Woodward sidelined, Colgate lacks height, making rebounding a persistent issue.
• Recent Performance: The Raiders are coming off a close 78-75 loss at Northeastern, where they were outrebounded 37-21 but managed a season-high 14 steals.

Bright Spots

• Brady Cummings: Leading the team with 15 points in their last game, Cummings represents a spark for Colgate’s offense.
• Defensive Efforts: Despite their struggles, the Raiders forced turnovers with an aggressive defensive approach.

What to Watch For

Kentucky’s Depth vs. Colgate’s Defense

Even with injuries to key players, Kentucky’s deep roster has continued to shine. The Wildcats will look to maintain their offensive dominance against a Colgate team that relies heavily on scrappy defense and turnovers.

Rebounding Battle

With significant size and athleticism advantages, Kentucky is poised to dominate the boards, further compounding Colgate’s challenges.

Check out the latest John Wooden Award Odds & Predictions for detailed analysis and updates.

Prediction

Kentucky’s high-powered offense and rebounding prowess will likely overwhelm Colgate. The Wildcats have demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure, and with the home crowd behind them, they should secure a decisive victory.