On Saturday, March, 19^th at 5:15 P.M. the Indiana Hoosiers will take on the Kentucky Wildcats in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Basketball Tournament.  “The Crowd” projects a final score of Kentucky 84 – Indiana 72.5 with an over/under of 156.5.  The Vegas line has a final score of Kentucky 79 – Indiana 76 with an over under of 155.  The Hoosiers are (25-7) on the season whereas the Wildcats are (26-8).

Scoring Margin: Indiana 13.7 Kentucky +11.9

Points per game: Indiana 82.8 Kentucky 79.8

Points allowed per game: Kentucky 67.9 Indiana 69.1

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Indiana 50.5% Kentucky 48%

Three Point Percentage: Indiana 41.9% Kentucky 36.9%

Free Throw Percentage: Indiana 72.8% Kentucky 68.8%

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Kentucky 39.5% Indiana 44.3%

Turnovers committed per game: Kentucky 11 Indiana 13.6

Turnovers forced per game: Indiana 13.1 Kentucky 12.4

Rebounds per game: Kentucky 42 Indiana 39.6

Assists per game: Indiana 16.2 Kentucky 14.4

Indiana has the slight advantage in most major statistical categories.  Indiana is one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country but Kentucky is one of the better defensive teams.  Kentucky has signature wins over three ranked teams: Texas A&M, Louisville and Duke.  Indiana has signature wins over three ranked teams: Iowa (twice), Purdue, and Maryland.  Kentucky has underperformed for much of the season but they might have the most talented team.  I’m picking Kentucky to win a high scoring affair.

Note: To be eligible to enter a Crowd’s Line contest you must be over 18 years of age, a resident of the United States/Canada, and submit your score prediction on our prediction tool (blog widget). The winner will be selected according to The Crowd’s Line scoring methodology.  If more than one entrant has the same winning score the winner will be selected by random drawing.  Only one prize will be awarded per contest and that winner will receive their prize in 5-7 business days.