UCF Knights vs Texas Tech Red Raiders NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/31/24
The Knights and Red Raiders are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Red Raiders will host the game at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, TX. The over/under for this Big 12 conference contest is set at 146.5 points, with Texas Tech being favored by -12.5 at home against UCF.
UCF KNIGHTS VS TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: UCF Knights +12.5
This game will be played at United Supermarkets Arena at 2:00 ET on Tuesday, December 31st.
WHY BET THE UCF KNIGHTS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Red Raiders.
- Even though we have Texas Tech winning straight-up, we like UCF at +12.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Can the Knights Lock in a Road Win?
UCF improved to 9-2 on the season with an 86-66 win over Jacksonville on Saturday. The Knights, who were -13.5 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.
UCF took control early, leading 47-29 at halftime. They scored 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 37. The game’s total points of 152 went over the pre-game line of 142.5.
UCF’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 86 points on 58.7% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.6%, thanks in part to hitting 10 of 17 from beyond the arc, shooting 58.8% from three.
At the free-throw line, the Knights were nearly automatic, knocking down 22 of 25 attempts for 88%. Keyshawn Hall led the way with 21 points and 4 assists, while Jordan Ivy-Curry added 19 points, connecting on 5 of 9 threes.
UCF’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 66 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 58% from the field. That included 58% shooting on two-point attempts, with the other team hitting 17 of 29 shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, UCF allowed 10 made threes on 17 attempts, also at a 58% clip. They sent the other team to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 22 free throws for 88%. UCF did manage to limit offensive rebounds, giving up just 5.
Do the Red Raiders Stand a Chance at Home?
Texas Tech Red Raiders Recent Game/Games
Texas Tech improved to 9-2 on the season with a dominant 101-57 win over Lamar on Saturday. The Red Raiders were heavy favorites at -25 and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 158 exceeded the over/under line of 141.5.
Texas Tech took control early, leading 49-22 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the second half, scoring 52 points and allowing 35.
Texas Tech’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 101 points while shooting 55.4% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 64.6%, thanks in part to their 63.9% shooting on two-pointers and 44.8% from beyond the arc. They also connected on 88.9% of their free throws, hitting 16 of 18 attempts.
Darrion Williams led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, hitting 4 of 6 from three-point range. Christian Anderson added 20 points, shooting 80% from the field, while Chance McMillian contributed 19 points, going 3 of 6 from deep. The Red Raiders also dished out 19 assists and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds in the win.
Despite Texas Tech’s defensive struggles, allowing 57 points, they gave up a 55% shooting performance, with the opposing team hitting 36 of 65 shots. Inside the arc, the Red Raiders allowed 23 baskets on 36 attempts, a 63% two-point shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Texas Tech’s defense couldn’t contain the three-point shooters, who went 13 for 29, shooting 44%. The opposing team also capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, making 16 of 18 free throws, an 88% success rate. Texas Tech also allowed 13 offensive rebounds.