Western Kentucky vs Kentucky Picks and Prediction – 11/26/2024

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are set to face the #8 Kentucky Wildcats on November 26, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This is their first meeting since December 2021, when Kentucky dominated with a 95-60 victory. The game, tipping off at 6:30 PM ET and broadcast on ESPNU, pits a Western Kentucky team averaging 81 points per game against a Wildcats squad with an explosive offense averaging 97 points per game​. Get in on all the basketball action with our free NCAAB picks.

Kentucky (5-0) has started the season strong, highlighted by wins over Duke and Lipscomb. Guard Otega Oweh leads the team with 16.2 points per game, and Kentucky boasts a deep rotation that thrives on high-percentage shooting (52.1% field goal). Defensively, they’ve been formidable, limiting Duke to only 72 points. Kentucky has performed better than expected thus far, and are starting to look like that national championship contending team fans have come to expect them to be.

Western Kentucky (3-2) will lean on Don McHenry, who averages 17.2 points, and Babacar Faye, who provides interior strength with 7.8 rebounds per game. However, the Hilltoppers have shown vulnerability on defense, allowing 91 points to Wichita State, which could prove costly against Kentucky's efficient scoring.

 Kentucky’s talented roster makes them heavy favorites in this matchup. While Western Kentucky can be competitive early by capitalizing on McHenry’s offensive leadership, the depth and pace of Kentucky’s attack are likely to overwhelm the Hilltoppers in the second half. Expect Kentucky to maintain control and pull away for a decisive victory, with a likely final score of around in favor of the Wildcats 95-70​.