It will be a clash between two superb defenses when the eighth-ranked Houston Cougars (27-1, 14-1 AAC) clash against the UCF Knights (21-6, 11-4 AAC) at Fertitta Center. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
UCF Knights at Houston Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Cougars won big over the East Carolina Pirates 99-65, while the Knights defeated the South Florida Bulls 75-63.
UCF played a perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.444 (above their season average of 0.304) and a turnover percentage of 17.2 (worse than their season average of 14.9). South Florida put up marks of 0.326 and 21.0, respectively, for those same stats. Houston, on the other hand, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 34.8 (above their season average of 34.1) and a turnover percentage of 14.9 (worse than their season average of 14.7). For those same stats, East Carolina was 13.8 and 23.2, respectively. Corey Davis Jr. fueled Houston with 26 points. UCF rallied around Aubrey Dawkins, who recorded 14 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Davis Jr. led the Cougars to a 77-68 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points. The Cougars’ 29.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Knights, who had a rate of 20.0.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Houston currently ranks 36th in offensive efficiency and UCF ranks 28th in defensive efficiency.
UCF Knights at Houston Cougars Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – UCF, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while UCF ranks 263rd (19.1).
- The Cougars rank 15th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Knights rank 68th (2.9).
- UCF ranks 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Houston ranks 68th (5.8).
- The Cougars average 41.3 rebounds per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. The Knights rank 148th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
- Houston ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (10.5) while UCF ranks 111th (12.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.0 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
- The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 9.8 for the season.
