UCF Knights vs Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/28/25
Planning on watching today’s Knights and Jayhawks game? Catch the action at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS, as the Jayhawks hosts this showdown at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 152.5 points, and Kansas is favored by -13 vs. UCF in a Big 12 conference matchup.
UCF KNIGHTS VS KANSAS JAYHAWKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: UCF Knights +13
This game will be played at Allen Fieldhouse at 8:00 ET on Tuesday, January 28th.
WHY BET THE UCF KNIGHTS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Jayhawks.
- Even though we have Kansas winning straight-up, we like UCF at +13.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Can UCF Lock in a Road Win?
UCF Knights Recent Game/Games
UCF improved to 13-6 on the season with a dominant 85-58 win over TCU on Saturday, January 25th. The Knights, who were -4 favorites, covered the spread in the victory. The total points for the game were 143, falling short of the O/U line of 148.5.
UCF led 37-23 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, scoring 48 points while allowing 35. The Knights’ defense and offense both played key roles in the win.
UCF’s offense put up 85 points in their latest game, shooting 45% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range, hitting 13 of 31 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 56.7%, and they connected on 81.8% of their free throws, going 18 for 22 from the line.
Keyshawn Hall led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 60% from deep. Moustapha Thiam added 16 points, hitting 7 of 10 shots overall and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. The Knights also recorded 20 assists, with Darius Johnson contributing 5 assists along with 15 points.
UCF’s defense gave up 58 points, with their opponents shooting 45% from the field on 27 of 60 attempts. They allowed 14 two-point baskets on 29 tries, a 48% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, UCF’s opponents hit 13 threes on 31 attempts, shooting 41%. They also went to the line 22 times, making 18 free throws for 81%. UCF gave up 10 offensive rebounds.
Do the Jayhawks Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?
Kansas Jayhawks Recent Game/Games
The Jayhawks dropped to 14-5 on the season after a 92-86 home loss to Houston on Saturday. Kansas entered the game as +1 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points of 178 went well over the 127.5 O/U line.
Kansas led 38-31 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 28 points while allowing 35. Their defense will need to improve as they look to bounce back in their next game.
Kansas put up 86 points in their last game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 36% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.5%, and they hit 17 of 30 free throws, good for 56.7%. The Jayhawks dished out 20 assists and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds.
J’Wan Roberts led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Flory Bidunga added 19 points on 70% shooting. Mylik Wilson contributed 18 points, hitting 72.7% of his shots, and Rylan Griffen knocked down 5 of 6 threes, finishing with 17 points.
Kansas gave up 92 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field. They allowed 51% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 21/41 from inside the arc.
From three-point range, Kansas’s defense allowed 9 made threes on 25 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. The opposing team also went to the line 30 times, making 17 free throws, while Kansas gave up 11 offensive rebounds.