The UCF Knights (15-4, 5-2 AAC) look to lengthen their 10-game home winning streak when they square off against the Connecticut Huskies (12-8, 3-4 AAC), who will attempt to end their five-game road losing streak. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Connecticut Huskies vs. UCF Knights Betting Prediction
In the Huskies’ last game, they blew out the Wichita State Shockers, 80-60. Connecticut’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Wichita State. The Huskies had a rate of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.525), while the Shockers posted a mark of 0.369 (below their season average of 0.470). Jalen Adams played a key role for Connecticut with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Knights got blown out by the Memphis Tigers in their last matchup, 77-57. Memphis won the rebounding battle. The Tigers had 21 offensive rebounds and 46 total rebounds, while the Knights had 12 and 28, respectively. With 10 points on 3-for-11 shooting, BJ Taylor was UCF’s leading scorer.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Aubrey Dawkins scored a game-high 23 points in the first game, in which the Knights defeated the Huskies 65-53. UCF had a much better free throw rate (0.571 vs. 0.153). Connecticut, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.5 vs. 0.0).
The physical UCF offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Knights currently rank 19th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.295, while Connecticut ranks 336th in FTA rate allowed (0.303). Furthermore, the Huskies rank 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 percent), while the Knights rank 254th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.0 percent).
Connecticut at UCF Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Connecticut ranks 143rd in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while UCF ranks 232nd (19.9).
The Huskies rank 100th in rebounds per game (37.0) while the Knights rank 172nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
UCF averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 25th in the nation. Connecticut ranks 72nd in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 7.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knights have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (2.1 above their season average).
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