Kentucky (17-7) at Texas (15-10)
- When: Feb 15 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Moody Center, Austin, TX, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Preview
Texas is favored by 3.5 | Total: 158.0
Kentucky looks to keep its momentum rolling as it heads to Austin for a rare SEC battle with Texas. The Wildcats aim for their third consecutive win, while the Longhorns desperately need to stop their slide and strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky has found its groove at the right time, winning back-to-back games, including an impressive 75-64 victory over No. 5 Tennessee on Tuesday. That victory gave the Wildcats a season sweep over the Volunteers and further proved that they can compete with the best teams in the SEC.
Despite dealing with injuries, Kentucky found a way to dominate late against Tennessee, closing the game on a 20-6 run after briefly surrendering the lead in the second half. Ansley Almonor and Otega Oweh led the charge with 13 points each, while Koby Brea and Trent Noah chipped in 11 apiece.
Key Injuries:
The Wildcats were without Jaxson Robinson (13.3 PPG), their second-leading scorer, who missed his first game of the season due to a wrist injury suffered in practice on Feb. 7. Lamont Butler also exited late in the Tennessee game with a shoulder injury, and both players remain day-to-day.
Head coach Mark Pope acknowledged the injury concerns but remained optimistic about his young squad stepping up in their absence:
“This is the part of the season where our young guys kind of have to become sophomores a little bit,” Pope said. “Our roster issues are forcing them to do it, and they’re ready.”
Kentucky will need strong performances from their depth players if Robinson and Butler remain sidelined.
Texas Longhorns
Texas, on the other hand, is trending in the wrong direction. The Longhorns have lost three straight games, including an ugly 103-80 blowout loss to No. 2 Alabama on Tuesday.
Despite the lopsided defeat, freshman Tre Johnson (19.3 PPG, leads SEC) continued to shine with 24 points, while Jayson Kent stepped up with a season-high 19 points. However, Texas was outworked on the glass (41-25 rebounding deficit) and shot just 42% from the field, further exposing their struggles against elite competition.
Texas has been wildly inconsistent, and head coach Rodney Terry is firmly on the hot seat after yet another disappointing loss. His team desperately needs a win to stay in NCAA Tournament contention, especially with a relatively manageable schedule remaining.
Key Injuries:
Texas has also been dealing with absences, playing without Chendall Weaver (hip injury) for the last 10 games. Additionally, Arthur Kaluma (12.9 PPG) went down with a left knee injury just 11 minutes into the Alabama game, and his status is uncertain for this matchup.
Terry remains focused on the team despite outside pressure:
“I’m all about trying to get my team better,” he said. “I don’t get caught up in outside noise.”
Betting Prediction
This is a must-win game for Texas, but Kentucky is the hotter team entering this matchup. The Wildcats have shown resilience in their past two wins and boast a balanced scoring attack that can give Texas trouble, especially if the Longhorns continue to struggle defensively.
Texas has failed to cover in three straight games and could be without two key players in Kaluma and Weaver, further weakening their chances. Meanwhile, Kentucky is 3-1 ATS in its last four road games, making them a strong underdog play.
Expect Tre Johnson to put up big numbers, but Kentucky’s depth and ability to close out games will prove to be the difference.
Pick: Kentucky ML (+140)
Predicted Score: Kentucky 82, Texas 78
Lean: Over 158.0 (Both teams struggle defensively, and Kentucky plays at a fast pace)
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
