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Gonzaga (7-1) vs Kentucky (5-3)
- When: Dec 5 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
(11) Gonzaga vs (18) Kentucky Preview & Prediction
Spread: Gonzaga -5.0
Moneyline: Gonzaga (-210)
Total: 159.5
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Breakdown
Gonzaga walks into Nashville with plenty to prove. Their 7-1 record looks strong on paper, but their last outing was anything but flattering. Michigan ran them out of the building in a 101-61 blowout that marked the worst defeat of Mark Few’s entire career. That performance exposed every weak point on the roster, from defensive lapses to offensive droughts that snowballed fast.
Still, one ugly night does not erase the quality start Gonzaga had. Early wins over Creighton and Alabama showed what this team is capable of when its tempo and spacing are working. To bounce back, the Bulldogs need Graham Ike to reset after being shut down to one point against Michigan. Braden Huff and Tyon Grant-Foster cannot be the only reliable engines if Gonzaga expects to control this matchup.
From a betting angle, the question is whether Gonzaga’s embarrassment motivates a sharper, more physical approach. Historically, Few’s teams respond well after being humbled, and this is a strong buy-low spot if you believe the Bulldogs’ identity will snap back into shape.
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Breakdown
Kentucky enters with its own issues, having dropped a tight 67-64 decision to North Carolina. That loss highlighted two major concerns: horrific three point shooting and brutal rebounding. Going 1-for-13 from deep and allowing 20 offensive boards is a recipe for consistent disaster.
Denzel Aberdeen leads the Wildcats in scoring, but this offense has looked streaky. Otega Oweh has been productive, yet Kentucky’s droughts have been severe enough to swing entire halves. Mark Pope repeatedly emphasized physicality after the UNC loss, a direct acknowledgment that his team was bullied on the glass and lacked a sustained interior presence.
The Wildcats have talent, but they have not shown consistent execution against strong opponents. Their losses to Louisville and Michigan State already signaled cracks before UNC exposed them again. From a gambling standpoint, Kentucky’s volatility makes them difficult to trust unless they can dictate pace and avoid long offensive blackouts.
Prediction & Betting Angle
Gonzaga had its wake-up call. Kentucky is still searching for answers. The Bulldogs normally respond well after a meltdown, and their ball movement and spacing give them a meaningful edge against a Kentucky team that has struggled to defend without fouling and cannot afford another rebounding disaster.
The number sets up well for Gonzaga to cover and for the game to lean toward the higher end with both teams pushing tempo.
Final Score: Gonzaga 84, Kentucky 77
Lean: Gonzaga -5.0
Total: Over 159.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
