SMU Mustangs vs. UCF Knights Betting Prediction 02/24/19

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The SMU Mustangs (13-12, 5-8 AAC) and their great offense travel to UCF to play the Knights (19-6, 9-4 AAC) and their stifling defense. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 24, 2019, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.

SMU Mustangs at UCF Knights ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Knights lost to the Cincinnati Bearcats, 60-55, while the Mustangs had no trouble getting past the Connecticut Huskies, 77-59.

The Mustangs made 13 of their 15 free throws (86.7 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.653 (above their season average of 0.513). UCF, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.567 vs. 0.471). UCF received a boost from Aubrey Dawkins, who put up 18 points. Jahmal McMurray was a key piece for SMU with 25 points.

In their first matchup this year, Collin Smith led the Knights to a 71-65 victory. He notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Making free throws was one of UCF’s largest advantages. They were 12-13 (92.3 percent), while the Mustangs were just 5-10 (50.0 percent).

Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. UCF ranks 304th in possessions per game (66.4) and SMU is 330th (65.3). Moreover, the Mustangs rank 32nd in offensive efficiency (113.2), while the Knights rank 39th in defensive efficiency (95.9).

SMU Mustangs vs. UCF Knights Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Ucf, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • SMU ranks 78th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while UCF ranks 258th (19.2).
  • The Knights rank 21st in blocks per game (4.8) while the Mustangs rank 69th (4.0).
  • SMU allows the 22nd-fewest steals per game (5.0) while UCF ranks 54th (5.5).
  • The Knights rank 112th in assists allowed per game (12.8) while the Mustangs rank 231st (15.2).
  • SMU ranks 47th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while UCF ranks 165th (35.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 8.2 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average).