UCF Knights vs. Houston Cougars Free Prediction 01/03/20

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The UCF Knights (9-4, 0-1 AAC) will be at the Fertitta Center to go head-to-head with the Houston Cougars (10-3) in an AAC matchup. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 3, 2020.

UCF Knights at Houston Cougars Betting Odds

In their last outing, the Cougars defeated the 21st-ranked Washington Huskies, 75-71, while the Knights fell to the Temple Owls, 62-58.

The Cougars had a solid turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 14.7) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.1 (above their season average of 40.7). UCF, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.474 vs. 0.443). Houston rallied around Quentin Grimes, who had 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Dre Fuller Jr. fueled UCF with 14 points.

This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent contest, the Knights won 69-64. UCF did a terrific job of making free throws (18-24; 75.0 percent). Houston, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 13.1). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

Houston figures to have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Cougars currently rank 48th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.449), while UCF is 252nd in effective field goal percentage (0.484).

UCF Knights at Houston Cougars Pick

Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – UCF, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Houston ranks fourth in rebounds per game (42.8) while UCF ranks 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
  • The Cougars rank 12th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Knights rank 78th (3.7).
  • The Cougars rank eighth in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Knights rank 106th (6.6).
  • Houston averages 13.8 assists per game, which ranks 110th in the country. UCF ranks 196th in assists allowed per game (14.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.8 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
  • The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 5.2 for the season.