Duke-Kentucky

[dawgball]

This should be a great game tonight. UK suffered a loss early to in-state rival Western Kentucky. Beyond that game, UK has played very well versus sub-par opponents. Obviously, this is a huge game for both teams.

If this line creeps into double bigit territory, I see it as a must-play on the Kitty Cats. The best I see right now where I have action available is 9' (Aces Gold).

Any thoughts on this game? I think the one nick in the loss column for Kentucky is the reason this line is so high. I do feel Duke is the better team, but double digit faves in this game is too much IMO.

NOTE: I grew up in Kentucky and do bleed blue. So this may be Homer striking again.

I would like to see everyone's thoughts on this premiere match-up.

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Sic 'em
dawgball

 

[Skinar]

I can never be objective about this matchup. I'm still pissed at Laettner for making that shot.

 

[dawgball]

I'm still pissed about Timberlake getting stomped on by him more than him hitting the shot.

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Sic 'em
dawgball

 

[spottig]

Nice to see fellow Big Blue supporters at MJ. I also hail from the bluegrass state, growing up in Louisville. You say, from L'ville and a UK fan? It's just the way it happened as, irony would have it, the 1st game I ever remember watching was 1978 Championship b/w UK and...yes...Duke. I still wake up in the middle of the night screaming Laettner's name even though revenge in the '98 Tourney was sweet revenge on the way to the title.
Alright, onto tonight's contest. Duke has the better starting 5 but KY, as usual, has a deep bench which could work to their advantage should they get a key BlueDevil in foul trouble(J.Williams, C.Boozer, or M.Dunleavy). Estill and Stone have done a nice job as 2-headed center and T.Prince and K.Bogans are 2 of the premier players in the land.
KY is 6-1 SU and 4-3 ATS although this is their 1st road game of the year(and it comes at Cameron!) while Duke is 9-0 SU and 4-4 ATS inc. 7-0 SU at home.
In their last meeting on 12-22-98, Duke went into Rupp laying 5.5 and covered 71-60 as the game went well under the posted total of 158.
The numbers are close as far as points for and against as UK averages 82.7 and yields 66.0 while Duke averages 89.2 and gives up 66.8 a game.
I'm a homer but I can't pass on UK getting 10 points(wsex) even though I'm worried about the lack of competition they've faced. Good luck my fellow Wildcat rooters and Go Big Blue!

--Spot

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Let's Bury the "Book"

 

[thbighoffa]

The game isn't at Duke, its in New Jersey, the second game of the Jimmy V Classic. I'd say a neutral site is more of a reason to hop on the Cats if the line goes to double digits.

 

[Brents]

spottig-
the game isnt at cameron, its in
erutherford NJ.

playing a small wager on UK +400

 

[spottig]

Thanks for the clarification about the site of the game. Cats back in NJ...where they cut the nets down in 1996...I like it even more.

Playing:
Kentucky +10
Alabama E
TCU -2

Gotta put something on KY +400 as well..too good a team to get a price like that on the money line. GLTA and Go Big Blue!

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Let's Bury the "Book"

 

[Skinar]

Spottig, you're a long way from Bardstown Road!! I'm with you though, I think I'll just lay some small cheese on the moneyline.

DB, I couldn't remember the name of the player that Mr. Asshole stomped. At least Laettner is consistent - he's been an asshole throughout his pro career as well.

 

[spottig]

Skinar--you're right...I am far away from Bardstown Rd...and I do miss the Toy Tiger!

Wow. This line has crept up to 10.5. No respect for Kentucky or is the rest of the country simply in love with Duke? Cats have a legitimate Final 4 team. I am very impressed with Duke but I can't justify that kind of line on a neutral court. These teams have played very close in similar situations in NCAA tourney on neutral court. I could understand if this were at Cameron with all the Cameron crazies but its not. I bleed Kentucky Blue so maybe someone else can point out what I'm missing...

--spotti

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Let's Bury the "Book"

 

[spottig]

God, I hate Duke. Still, Cats got the cover and I enjoyed a 3-0 day minus small wager on Ky +400. I hope to see this rematch in the Final 4.

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Let's Bury the "Book"

 

[Skinar]

Spottig - tough loss for Cats fans. Another classic Duke/KY matchup however. BTW, the Toy Tiger is no more. It's being demolished but I can't remember what is being built in it's place, I don't get into the city that often. I'll be sure and swing by there while I'm Christmas shopping to see what's going on.

Is it just me, or does Bogans seem to disappear in the big games?