The Illinois State Redbirds (7-5) will travel to CFE Federal Credit Union Arena to clash with the UCF Knights (9-2). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. UCF Knights ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Knights defeated the Rider Broncs 84-70, while the Redbirds beat the FGCU Eagles 74-66.
The Redbirds had a much better free throw rate (0.298 vs. 0.111) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.1 vs. 27.1). The Knights, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.130) and had a much better turnover percentage (12.2 vs. 17.6). Collin Smith played a key role for UCF with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Illinois State, meanwhile, received a boost from Phil Fayne, who recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Aubrey Dawkins has been playing at a high level recently for UCF, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
The high-octane offense of UCF will face off against the bottom-tier defense of Illinois State. The Knights currently rank 49th in offensive efficiency, while the Redbirds are 266th in defensive efficiency. The Knights should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Illinois State Redbirds at UCF Knights ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Ucf, ATS Winner – UCF, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UCF averages 41.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. Illinois State ranks 228th in rebounds allowed per game (39.3).
- The Knights rank 39th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Redbirds rank 97th (6.4).
- UCF ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.6) while Illinois State ranks 62nd (3.9).
- The Knights rank 99th in assists per game (14.2) while the Redbirds rank 201st in assists allowed per game (15.6).
- UCF ranks 129th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5) while Illinois State ranks 225th (26.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
- The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 12.6 for the season.
