Cason Wallace reveals why Kentucky is prepared for Kansas’ best shot

Cason Wallace and Kentucky aren’t backing away from the challenge Kansas presents in Saturday’s Big 12/SEC Challenge.

Ahead of the showdown on Saturday, Wallace made it a point to let the world know the Wildcats are prepared for the Jayhawks to give them their best shot.

“They’ve been losing a few games in a row. They’re on the road,” stated Wallace. “We beat them last year. They’ve got some vengeance.”

Moreover, Kansas may have gone through a little skid, but Wallace recognizes the reigning national champions are someone you don’t want to overlook.

“I just know they’re a great team,” added Wallace. “They’re always going to be one of the teams that put a good fight in. I’m just expecting to play hard and not overlook them.

“Know that they’re going to come in with some power.”

Alas, plenty of eyes will be on Kentucky vs. Kansas later tonight, and Cason Wallace will look to show out. Time will tell who gets the much needed victory, but the game should be fantastic.

Kansas vs. Kentucky: How to watch, odds, picks, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

One of the highest-profile Big 12/SEC challenge games tips off Saturday night between Kansas and Kentucky. Ahead of the game predictions and betting odds – including KenPom analytics – are rolling in.

How to watch Kansas vs. Kentucky

Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET

Location: Lexington, Kentucky

Channel: ESPN

Vegas odds

Kansas is a 0.5-point favorite over Kentucky on Saturday, according to VegasInsider.

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted winner: Kentucky

Predicted point differential: 4.1

Win probability (for Kentucky): 65.2%

Matchup quality: 90.3

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. ESPN’s BPI has Kansas vs. Kentucky ranked as the third highest-rated game on Saturday’s slate in terms of matchup quality.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Kentucky 71, Kansas 70

Win probability (for Kentucky): 52%

KenPom is another tool that provides advanced analysis across college basketball. Like ESPN, KenPom projects that Kentucky comes away with a victory over Kansas.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.