UCF Knights vs Houston Cougars Betting Pick & Prediction 1/20/24
The Knights and Cougars are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Cougars will host the game at Fertitta Center in Houston, TX. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 128.5 points, and the Cougars are favored to win at home against the Knights.
UCF KNIGHTS VS HOUSTON COUGARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: UCF Knights +16.5
This game will be played at Fertitta Center at 2:00 ET on Saturday, January 20th.
WHY BET THE UCF KNIGHTS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-69 in favor of the Cougars.
- Even though we have Houston winning straight-up, we like UCF at +16.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 128.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 143 points.
Can UCF Lock in a Road Win?
UCF enters this game as a 16.5-point underdog, and they have gone 2-3 as the underdog this season. They are coming off a 77-71 win over Texas, and they have gone 2-1 in their last three road games.
So far this season, UCF has gone 11-5 overall, including a 9-3 record in non-conference games. They are 2-2 in Big 12 play, and they have gone 4-6 in their last 10 road games.
As the underdog this season, UCF has gone 2-2-1 against the spread. On the road, their ATS mark sits at 1-3 and over their last 10 games in that role, they are 5-5 vs. the spread. Overall, UCF is 8-7-1 vs. the spread this season.
So far this year, the over/under record in UCF games is 9-7. The average over/under line in their games this year is 139.9 and their games have averaged 139.8 points. Today’s over/under line of 128.5 is lower than the average scoring in their games this year. Over their last three games, their over/under record is 1-2 and those games have averaged 130 points.
In their recent game, the Knights’ offense concluded with 77 points, consistent with their ongoing season average of 74.7 points per contest. In terms of offense, the Knights have a season-long field goal percentage of 42%, putting them 316th in the NCAA. Regarding three-pointers, they are ranked 335th in percentage and 223rd in three-pointers made.
Currently, the Knights’ defense holds the 36th rank in the nation, allowing 65.1 points per game. So far, the UCF defense is giving up an average of 6.7 offensive rebounds per game and are turning teams over 12.2 times per game (591st).
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Cougars?
After winning their last game against Texas Tech by a score of 77-54, Houston enters this game with a record of 15-2. They have been unstoppable at home, going 11-0, and they have won their last 11 games at home. On the season, they have an average scoring margin of +33.3 points per game.
For the year, Houston has been favored in 16 of their 17 games, going 14-2 in those matchups. Their average scoring margin on the road is +3.0, and they have gone 3-2 in road games this season.
As the favorite this season, Houston has gone 9-7 vs. the spread. Their home ATS record is 8-3, but over their last 10 games as the favorite, they are only 5-5.
This season, the over/under record for Houston games is 5-11 and their games have averaged 127.2 points. Today’s over/under line of 128.5 is lower than the average over/under line in their games this year (133.8). So far, 9 of their games have finished with fewer points than today’s line.
In their previous game, the Cougars’ offense finished with 77 points, which is right in line with their current average of 74.9 points per contest. LJ Cryer is currently the leading scorer for the team, entering today’s matchup with an average of 15.2. Meanwhile, Emanuel Sharp also brings a PPG average of 13.1 into the game.
Houston’s defense has been playing well, ranking 1st nationally, with 51.5 points allowed per game. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Houston’s defense has allowed opponents to shoot 35.4% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 27.9% this season.