Matchup Preview: Kentucky vs. Troy in the 2025 NCAA Tournament

The No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats (22-11) face the No. 14 seed Troy Trojans (23-10) on Friday in an exciting first-round matchup in the Midwest Region of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With new head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky finished with a record of 10-8 in SEC play but faced a tough loss to Alabama, 99-70, in the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Troy secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament by winning the Sun Belt Tournament, defeating Arkansas State 94-81 in the Championship Game.

Throughout the season, Kentucky guard Jaxson Robinson (wrist) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. The match is set to tip off from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at 7:10 p.m. ET, with Kentucky being favored by 11.5 points. The over/under for the total points is set at 151.5. Be sure to check out the predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model before making your picks.

Statistical Summary:

1. Kentucky vs. Troy spread: Kentucky -11.5
2. Over/under: 151.5 points
3. Kentucky money line: -719, Troy money line: +507
4. Against the spread (ATS) records:
   • Kentucky: 16-18
   • Troy: 20-10-1
5. Predictions: The SportsLine Model suggests a point total of 154, hitting nearly 70% of predictions right. Find out more by visiting SportsLine.