The stage is set for an electrifying SEC showdown as the Oklahoma Sooners (20-12) take on the Kentucky Wildcats (21-10) in the second round of the conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. With both teams battling for a deeper run in March, expect a high-paced, offensive-heavy contest between two squads that can put up points in a hurry. Oklahoma enters this matchup riding a strong wave of momentum, covering the spread in six straight games. Meanwhile, Kentucky remains a force to be reckoned with, boasting one of the most explosive offenses in college basketball. With top premium picks up for grabs, this game presents a golden opportunity for bettors looking to capitalize on the NCAA action.
| Oklahoma Sooners vs Kentucky Wildcats Game Info | |
| When: | Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 9:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| TV: | SEC Network |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Oklahoma Sooners (20-12) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (21-10)
The Sooners are coming off an impressive stretch, winning four of their last six games while maintaining a strong offensive rhythm. They secured victories over Georgia (81-75), Texas (76-72), and Missouri (96-84) while falling just short against Mississippi (84-87) and Kentucky (82-83). Their last loss against Kentucky was a heartbreaker, decided by a single point, which means they’ll be looking for revenge in this rematch. Jeremiah Fears has been the catalyst for Oklahoma, averaging 16.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The Sooners are shooting a respectable 47.1% from the field and an impressive 79.7% from the free-throw line. Their Achilles’ heel has been ball security, averaging 12.2 turnovers per game, but their ability to hit the three-ball at 36.6% has kept them competitive in tight games.
Kentucky, on the other hand, has been a high-powered offensive machine, averaging 85.8 points per game—nearly seven points more than Oklahoma. They’ve split their last five games, picking up wins against Missouri (91-83) and LSU (95-64) while suffering defeats to Auburn (78-94) and Alabama (83-96). However, they did edge out Oklahoma in a nail-biting 83-82 victory, proving they can win in crunch time. Otega Oweh has been a standout performer for the Wildcats, putting up 16.2 points per game with a solid 49.2% shooting efficiency. Kentucky dominates the boards with 38.7 rebounds per game, significantly outperforming Oklahoma’s 32.2. Their ability to stretch the floor (37.8% from three-point range) and control second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounding (10.3 per game) makes them a dangerous opponent.
Why Kentucky Will Win
- Elite Scoring: Kentucky averages 85.8 PPG, ranking among the highest-scoring teams in the country.
- Three-Point Efficiency: Wildcats shoot 37.8% from deep, making them a constant perimeter threat.
- Rebounding Dominance: They average 38.7 RPG compared to Oklahoma’s 32.2 RPG, creating additional possessions.
- Turnover Control: Kentucky commits only 10.9 turnovers per game, giving them an edge in ball security.
- Recent H2H Success: The Wildcats won their last meeting against Oklahoma (83-82) and have covered the spread in 6 of their last 9 games.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Kentucky -6.5, Total Odds: 162.5
Oddsmakers have set Kentucky as a 6.5-point favorite, which makes sense given their superior offensive numbers and rebounding advantage. The total is set at 162.5, reflecting the high-scoring potential of both teams. With Oklahoma covering the spread in six straight games and their recent history of close contests, taking Oklahoma to cover at +6.5 might be the sharper play. The Over has also hit in five of Oklahoma’s last six games and four of Kentucky’s last five, making a high-scoring affair likely.
Oklahoma Sooners Betting Trends
- Oklahoma is 6-0 ATS in their last six games.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of their last 6 games.
- Oklahoma is 5-0 ATS in their last five games against SEC opponents.
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of their last 8 games played in March.
- Oklahoma is 8-0 SU in their last eight games played on a Thursday.
Kentucky Wildcats Betting Trends
- Kentucky is 6-3 ATS in their last nine games.
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games.
- Kentucky is 6-3 SU in their last nine games.
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of their last 9 games in March.
- Kentucky is 11-5 SU in their last 16 games played on a Thursday.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Kentucky Wildcats 3/13/25 Betting Picks
This matchup has all the makings of a classic, with both teams bringing high-powered offenses and plenty of motivation. Oklahoma’s recent hot streak against the spread, combined with their ability to keep games close, makes them an appealing underdog pick at +6.5. Their three-point shooting and free-throw efficiency can help them stay within striking distance, even if Kentucky controls the paint and rebounds. Expect a fast-paced game with plenty of scoring opportunities on both ends.
Looking at the total, the Over at 162.5 is enticing. Both teams have trended towards the Over in recent weeks, and their last matchup produced 165 points. Kentucky’s offensive firepower, combined with Oklahoma’s high-scoring tendencies, suggests another shootout. Prop bets on Jeremiah Fears and Otega Oweh to exceed their scoring averages could also be worth a look.