More than three days after UCLA defeated Kentucky 97-92, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season, John Calipari is done grieving. Cal leads his team back into Rupp Arena against Valparaiso on Wednesday night, where the No. 6 Cats will look to get back on track.
Viewing information
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Rupp Arena; Lexington, Kentucky
TV: SEC Network
Streaming: WatchESPN
Matchup to watch
Horizon League or not, Valparaiso has one of the best all-around scorers in the country in Alec Peters. And the Crusaders are just a week removed from a big win over No. 21 Rhode Island. Kentucky's length and athleticism will push Peters, who averaged more than 25 points per game, to try and force him to take outside shots, where he has struggled most this season. But if he knocks some of those down, at 6-foot-9, he can be a mismatch for Kentucky's bigs on the perimeter.
Odds and pick
SportsLine point spread: Kentucky -20
SportsLine projection: Kentucky 88, Valparaiso 66
Pick: Kentucky -20
Valparaiso is a very good team. But Calipari's record at Rupp Arena is no fluke. The Wildcats are tough to beat. And after suffering a loss on Saturday on their home floor, I get a feeling they will be looking to make a statement against the Crusaders. I think Kentucky wins and covers the spread.
