Bodog Beat

Joe Crawford and the Wildcats played their first game under their new coach Tuesday. (AI Wire photo)

Just hours before his 49th birthday, Billy Gillispie took the sidelines at Rupp Arena, beginning a new era for him and one of the most storied programs in college basketball.

In their season opener on Tuesday, the No. 22 Kentucky Wildcats whipped Central Arkansas, 67-40, in a Coaches vs. Cancer Classic game.

The Wildcats, who were missing two key players because of injury, were favored by 27 against the point spread, making the outcome a push. The betting total fell under 135.

Senior guard Joe Crawford led the way with 20 points. Mark Coury added 13 points and 10 rebounds while Ramel Bradley added 10 points.

Gillispie led Texas A&M to a top 10 ranking last year and the NCAA Tournament. He took over in Lexington, Ky., after Tubby Smith departed. Smith coached Kentucky for 10 years.

The Wildcats enter the season with college basketball odds of 30/1 to win the national title.

In other Top 25 action on Tuesday:

No. 3 Memphis 80, Richmond 63: The Tigers won back-to-back games in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, extending their home winning streak to 34 games. They were favored by 29 points and the total was 139. Freshman Derrick Rose had 21 points for Memphis.

For college basketball odds throughout the season, the Bodog Sportsbook is your betting source.