In this battle for southern supremacy, the Arkansas Razorbacks are trying to shock the world by upsetting the Kentucky Wildcats on national television.

That dream won’t be easy to achieve when John Calipari and his young group bring the heat in their home building. This should be a wild game that makes us remember why we love college hoops.

 

Which Team Will Win this Game?

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Where: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY

When: Tuesday, January 17, 9:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN and ESPN 3

Listen: ESPN Radio

Betting Line: Over/Under: 149, Spread: Kentucky -16.5

 

Injuries: CBSSports

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Kentucky

Jon Hood—out indefinitely

Stacey Poole Jr.—expected to transfer

Sam Malone—out for season

Arkansas

Marshawn Powell—out for season

 

What They’re Saying

Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s fan site tweeted:

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Sports writer for the Arkansas News Bureau Robbie Neiswanger is reporting on Twitter:

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Key Matchup: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist vs. Devonta Abron

With Marshawn Powell out for the season for the Razorbacks, they have turned to freshman Devonta Abron more lately and will do the same tonight. If Abron is the player they thought he was when the recruited him, he will shine on the big stage.

136384833_crop_340x234 Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Kentucky will counteract Abron with the freshman phenom Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who plays his own style of aggressive forward that will both get his team points and get under the skin of his opponents.

With these two battling all night for position on both ends of the floor, I expect this game to get chippy. This could be the best game of the season if both teams bring everything they have.

 

Prediction: Kentucky 81, Arkansas 69

 

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