The Connecticut Huskies (9-5, 0-1 AAC) look to continue their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the UCF Knights (11-2, 1-0 AAC) at XL Center. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ESPNews.
UCF Knights vs. Connecticut Huskies Betting Prediction
In the Knights’ last game, they defeated the Rider Broncs, 84-70. The Knights 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 well for UCF, finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Huskies beat the Morehead State Eagles in their last outing, 80-70. The Huskies had a better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 19.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 32.5). Josh Carlton was the game’s leading scorer with 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Knights won the last matchup 70-61. The Knights had a much better free throw rate (0.447 vs. 0.185) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.5 vs. 18.8).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Aubrey Dawkins (0 points) has been great for the Knights while Jalen Adams (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Huskies.
This contest should be a battle of contrasting styles. Connecticut has preferred to play fast (65th in possessions per game), while UCF has been slower-paced (318th in possessions per game). Also, the Knights commit the 50th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while the pesky defense of the Huskies causes the 25th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.7 percent).
UCF Knights vs. Connecticut Huskies Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – UCF, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UCF averages 39.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 39th in the country. Connecticut ranks 138th in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
The Huskies rank 49th in three pointers allowed per game (20.2) while the Knights rank 146th (23.2).
UCF ranks 16th in blocks per game (5.4) while Connecticut ranks 70th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
The Huskies average 13.9 assists per game, which ranks 115th in the nation. The Knights rank 117th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 12.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 84.0 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
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