Colorado Buffaloes vs UCF Knights NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/8/25
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Buffaloes and Knights. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Knights at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, FL. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 147.5 points, and UCF is favored by -5.5 vs. Colorado in a Big 12 conference matchup.
COLORADO BUFFALOES VS UCF KNIGHTS BETTING PICK
The Pick: UCF Knights -5.5
This game will be played at Addition Financial Arena at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 8th.
WHY BET THE UCF KNIGHTS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-66 in favor of the Knights.
- Not only will UCF pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Are the Buffaloes Ready for a Road Win?
Colorado Buffaloes Recent Game/Games
The Buffaloes fell to 9-4 on the season after an 81-61 road loss to Arizona State on Saturday. Entering the game as +6.5 point underdogs, Colorado not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
Trailing 40-27 at halftime, Colorado allowed 41 points in the 2nd half while scoring 34 of their own. The game’s total points of 142 narrowly missed the O/U line of 142.5.
In their last game, Colorado’s offense struggled, shooting just 34.8% from the field and 12.5% from beyond the arc, hitting only 3 of 24 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 36.4%, but they did manage to shoot 81.2% from the free-throw line, making 13 of 16 attempts.
Trevor Baskin led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 64.3% from the field. BJ Freeman added 19 points, hitting 3 of 7 from three-point range, while Basheer Jihad contributed 17 points, connecting on 4 of 6 threes.
Colorado’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 81 points on 51% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 57% of their two-point attempts, going 15/26 inside the arc.
From three-point range, Colorado’s opponent shot 46%, making 13 of 28 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 12 free throws.
Do the Knights Stand a Chance at Home?
UCF’s season record fell to 10-3 after a 99-48 loss to Kansas on Sunday. The Knights, who were +5 underdogs, didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 147 fell just under the 149.5 O/U line.
UCF trailed 44-25 at halftime and struggled further in the 2nd half, scoring only 23 points while allowing 55.
UCF’s offense struggled mightily in their last game, managing just 48 points on 20.6% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was only 26.5%, with two-point shooting at 18.4% (7/38) and three-point shooting at 23.3% (7/30).
They did hit 72.2% of their free throws, going 13/18 from the line. The Knights also grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and dished out 11 assists in the game.
Despite UCF’s defensive efforts, they gave up 99 points in their last game. The Knights held their opponents to just 20% shooting from the field, with 14 made baskets on 68 attempts.
UCF limited the other team to 18% shooting on two-pointers (7/38) and 23% on threes (7/30). At the free-throw line, their opponents hit 13 of 18 attempts, shooting 72%. UCF also allowed 12 offensive rebounds.