LEXINGTON — Kentucky basketball faces its third ranked team in as many games today, when it hosts Alabama at Rupp Arena.
The Wildcats emerged victorious in their last two outings. Last week, they went on the road and outlasted Mississippi State by five points. Earlier this week, Kentucky took down Texas A&M at home. But the Crimson Tide might be the toughest test yet: It’s ahead of UK in both major polls.
Alabama is No. 5 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, while Kentucky clocks in at No. 9. In the Associated Press rankings, the Crimson Tide is fourth, four spots clear of the eighth-ranked Wildcats.
The teams sport the same record: 14-3 overall, 3-1 in SEC play.
It’s the first meeting with Alabama for new UK coach Mark Pope, who is 11-0 at home in 2024-25.
While the Wildcats boast a decisive advantage in the all-time series, leading 117-41, the Crimson Tide hasn’t rolled over recently. In the last six meetings, dating back to the 2020-21 campaign, each team owns three wins.
Here’s what you need to know to follow today’s game from home:
Kentucky vs Alabama start time
UK and Alabama are slated to tip off at noon today at Rupp Arena.
Kentucky vs Alabama basketball betting odds
Betting odds: Kentucky is a 2-point home favorite (-110) on DraftKings, which set the over/under at 179 ½ points (-110). The money line odds are Kentucky -135, Alabama +114.
What channel is UK basketball vs Alabama on today?
The contest between the Wildcats and Crimson Tide will air on ESPN. Dan Shulman (play-by-play) and Jay Bilas (analyst) will have the call.
Authenticated subscribers can access ESPN via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com, the WatchESPN app or ESPN+.
You also can stream ESPN on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
How to listen to Kentucky vs Alabama on the radio
Tom Leach (play-by-play) and Jack Givens (analyst) will have the UK radio network call on 840 AM in Louisville and both 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington.
You can also listen online via UKAthletics.com.
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Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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