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USATSI

The Yale Bulldogs (8-2) travel to Rupp Arena for a non-conference bout against the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats (6-2) on Saturday afternoon. This will be just the second contest in history between these schools. The Wildcats look to secure their fourth win in a row. On Dec. 4, Kentucky topped Michigan 73-69. On the other side, Yale's three-game win streak was halted. On Tuesday, the Bulldogs lost to Butler 71-61.

Tip-off from the Rupp Arena in Lexington is set for 1 p.m. ET. The Wildcats are 16.5-point favorites in the latest Kentucky vs. Yale odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 137.5. Before making any Yale vs. Kentucky picks, you need to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer simulation model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. Over the past six-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated more than $1,400 for $100 players on its top-rated college basketball picks against the spread. Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Kentucky vs. Yale and just locked in its picks and CBB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several college basketball odds and betting lines and trends for Yale vs. Kentucky:

  • Kentucky vs. Yale spread: Kentucky -16.5
  • Kentucky vs. Yale over/under: 137.5 points
  • Kentucky vs. Yale money line: Kentucky -2400, Yale +1100
  • KY: 4-1 ATS at home this season 
  • YALE: 5-2-1 ATS this season
  • Kentucky vs. Yale picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Kentucky can cover

Kentucky has been swinging the ball all across the floor to get multiple players involved. The Wildcats head into this contest ranked second in the SEC in assists (18.9). Senior guard Sahvir Wheeler is the floor general for the Wildcats. Wheeler is a strong but quick set-up man who can pile up high assist numbers with a low turnover rate. The Texas native leads the conference in assists (7.3) with 8.9 points per game. In his last contest, he dropped 11 points and seven dimes.

Senior Jacob Toppin is a long forward with great bounce and the ability to soar above the rim. Toppin plays with a high motor and can make highlight-reel plays on both ends of the floor. The New York native averages 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He's finished with 14-plus points in three of his last four matchups. 

Why Yale can cover

Junior forward Matt Knowling has been the go-to offensive option for the Bulldogs. Knowling owns a quick first step and likes to play downhill. The Connecticut native has the power to absorb contact and finish in the lane. Knowling puts up a team-high 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He's dropped at least 20 points in four games this season.

Sophomore guard John Poulakidas is a floor-spacing scorer. Poulakidas has a smooth jumper and excels in catch-and-shoot scenarios. The Illinois native averages 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and shoots 45% from beyond the arc. He's scored at least 11 points in three of his last four games. On Nov. 27, Poulakidas finished with a season-high 22 points and six 3-pointers. 

How to make Yale vs. Kentucky picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 141 total points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Kentucky vs. Yale? And which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college basketball picks, and find out.