Expect a defensive struggle when the 12th-ranked Houston Cougars (21-1, 8-1 AAC) square off with the UCF Knights (16-4, 6-2 AAC) at CFE Federal Credit Union Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Houston Cougars vs. UCF Knights Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Knights defeated the Connecticut Huskies 73-67, while the Cougars beat the Temple Owls 73-66.
The Cougars had an absurd free throw rate of 0.434 (above their season average of 0.234) and held the Owls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.403 (below their season average of 0.506). Meanwhile, UCF dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.295) and a turnover percentage of 16.5 (worse than their season average of 14.9). Connecticut recorded marks of 0.185 and 19.0, respectively, for those same stats. UCF rallied around BJ Taylor, who recorded 21 points. Dejon Jarreau played well for Houston, putting up 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cougars dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent game, Houston won 84-56. Houston’s 0.614 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over UCF, who had a rate of 0.395. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between two of the nation’s best defenses. UCF ranks 29th in defensive efficiency (94.3) and Houston is fifth (89.4). Moreover, the Cougars rank 41st in offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 percent), while the Knights rank 255th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.1 percent).
Houston Cougars at UCF Knights Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 47th in three pointers attempted per game (26.0) while UCF ranks 244th (19.4).
- The Cougars are 17th in the nation with 2.3 blocks allowed per game while the Knights are 55th with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
- UCF ranks 50th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Houston ranks 68th (5.8).
- The Cougars average 41.7 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the nation. The Knights rank 158th in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
- Houston ranks 17th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while UCF ranks 107th (12.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Knights have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.6, up from 15.1 for the season.
