Kentucky vs Troy prediction, picks for men's 2025 NCAA Tournament
Kentucky vs Troy prediction, picks for men's 2025 NCAA Tournament It's Kentucky vs Troy in the 2025 NCAA Tournament first round. See our expert picks and predictions for the March Madness bracket, along with betting odds and game time.
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Get to know four prospects who could improve their draft stock during March Madness, including Tennessee senior Chaz Lanier and Texas Tech forward J.T. Toppin.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is here, folks. First-round action continues on Friday with a matchup between Kentucky and Troy in the Midwest Region.
The Kentucky Wildcats finished the 2024-25 season with a 22-11 record, good for sixth in the SEC. That earned them a No. 3 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the Troy Trojans, finished third in the Sun Belt with a 23-10 record and a conference tournament win earned them a No. 14 seed in the Big Dance.
Kentucky ranks as the 16th-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the eighth-best offense and 57th-best defense. Meanwhile, Troy ranks 98th overall with the 153rd-ranked offense and 71st-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Friday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out USA TODAY's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Kentucky vs. Troy picks and predictions
Jordan Mendoza: Kentucky
Paul Myerberg: Kentucky
Erick Smith: Kentucky
Eddie Timanus: Kentucky
Dan Wolken: Kentucky
Craig Meyer: Kentucky 83, Troy 74
Ryan Black: Kentucky 84, Troy 63
It's a clean sweep. None of our experts have this contest turning into an upset. Craig Meyer is backing Troy to cover the 11.5-point spread while the Louisville Courier Journal's Ryan Black is picking Kentucky to win in blowout fashion. Meyer has the game going over the 152.5-point total. Black has it under.
Kentucky vs. Troy date, start time, how to watch
Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025 Game Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
7:10 p.m. ET Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee TV Channel: CBS
CBS Live Stream: Fubo - Watch Now!
Watch Kentucky vs. Troy on Fubo
Kentucky vs. Troy odds
Odds as of Thursday, March 20 via BetMGM.
Spread: Kentucky -11.5 (-110)
Kentucky -11.5 (-110) Moneyline Favorite: Kentucky -750
Kentucky -750 Moneyline Underdog: Troy +525
Troy +525 Total: 152.5
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