BYU Cougars (12-3) vs. Central Florida Knights (10-4)
January 13, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Central Florida Knights +4.5; Over/Under: 143.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The BYU Cougars will play the UCF Knights in a Big 12 game on Saturday afternoon at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. BYU has lost two games in a row, while UCF has won four of their last five. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the BYU vs UCF prediction.
BYU Preview
The BYU Cougars are 12-3 (0-2) this season after they lost to Baylor by a score of 81-72 in their last game. BYU led 39-33 at the half, but was out scored 48-33 in the second half in the loss. The Cougars shot 49.1% from the field and were +6 in rebounding margin in the game. BYU lost to Cincinnati by a score of 71-60 in the game prior to Baylor, but they did win the previous four games. The Cougars are scoring 87.1 points per game with 43.1 rebounds per game and 21.6 assists per game, while allowing 63.5 points against per game this year. Jaxson Robinson is averaging 14.8 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, and 1.5 assists per game. BYU is shooting 48.1% from the field, 72.2% on free throws, and 37.1% on three pointers this season.
UCF Preview
The UCF Knights are 10-4 (1-1) this year after they defeated Kansas by a score of 65-60 in their last game. UCF trailed 37-29 at halftime, but they held Kansas to only 23 points in the second half in the win. The Knights shot 42.3% from the field and were -4 in rebounding margin in the game. UCF lost to Kansas State by a score of 77-52 in the game prior to Kansas, but won the three previous games. The Knights are scoring 75.7 points per game with 39.6 rebounds per game and 12.7 assists per game, while giving up 64.8 points against per game this season. Jaylin Sellers is averaging 17.8 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. UCF is shooting 43% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 32.5% on three pointers this year.
BYU vs UCF Betting Prediction
UCF comes into this game with plenty of momentum after upsetting Kansas at home in their last game. UCF trailed at halftime, but played great defense in the second half to get the win. BYU is ranked #18 in the country, but they have started conference play with two losses against Baylor and Cincinnati. BYU is scoring 87.1 points per game and they are shooting over 48% from the field this season, but they have only scored 72 and 60 points in their last two games. Both of these teams have played solid defense this season and I think we are going to see a lower scoring game. Take the under here.
