South Florida Bulls vs Wichita State Shockers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/6/25

The Bulls and Shockers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN2. The Shockers will host the game at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, KS. The over/under for this game is set at 154.5 points, and Wichita State is favored by -8.5 vs. South Florida in a American Athletic conference matchup.

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS VS WICHITA STATE SHOCKERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: South Florida Bulls +8.5

This game will be played at Charles Koch Arena at 7:00 ET on Monday, January 6th.

WHY BET THE SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Shockers.
• Even though we have Wichita State winning straight-up, we like South Florida at +8.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 154.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.

Will the Bulls Make it Happen in Wichita?

South Florida Bulls Recent Game/Games

The Bulls improved to 7-6 on the season with a 75-69 win over East Carolina on Tuesday, December 31st. Playing at home, South Florida entered the game as -1.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game hit 144, just over the O/U line of 143.5.

South Florida took a 34-25 lead into halftime but allowed 44 points in the 2nd half while scoring 41 of their own. Despite the defensive lapse, they managed to hold on for the win.

South Florida put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 45.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52.6%. They hit 35% from beyond the arc, connecting on 7 of 20 attempts, and were solid at the free-throw line, making 16 of 20 for 80%.

Jordan Riley led the Bulls with 20 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 8 of 13 from the floor. Kobe Knox was nearly perfect, hitting 7 of 8 shots, including 3 of 3 from three-point range, finishing with 18 points.

South Florida’s defense gave up 69 points, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field. They allowed 19 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 51% success rate.

From beyond the arc, the Bulls’ defense saw the other team hit 7 of 20 threes, or 35%. They also sent them to the line 20 times, where they converted 16 free throws, an 80% rate. South Florida gave up 8 offensive rebounds.

Will the Shockers Win at Home?

Wichita State fell to 9-4 on the season after a 91-85 road loss to Temple on Friday. The Shockers entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 176, surpassing the pre-game over/under line of 153.5.

Wichita State led 39-37 at halftime but allowed 54 points in the second half while scoring 46 of their own. The Shockers will look to tighten up their defense moving forward.

Wichita State put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 47.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52.3%. They hit 35% from three-point range, going 7-for-20, and shot 53.3% on two-point attempts. Their free-throw shooting was a weak spot, as they connected on just 57.1% of their 28 attempts.

The Shockers grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 18 assists. Justin Hill led the way with 25 points and 5 assists, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Jamal Mashburn Jr. contributed 24 points, while Quincy Ballard added 13 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 83.3% from the field.

Wichita State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 91 points on 50% shooting from the field. They allowed 52% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 20 of 38 shots.

From beyond the arc, the Shockers gave up 9 threes on 20 attempts, a 45% clip. They also sent the other team to the line 31 times, where they converted 24 free throws, shooting 77%. Wichita State allowed 11 offensive rebounds.