The UCF Knights (9-2) clash against the Illinois State Redbirds (7-5) at CFE Federal Credit Union Arena. 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 Prediction
The Redbirds come in on a high note after beating the FGCU Eagles in their last contest, 74-66. Illinois State’s free throw rate was their largest strength over FGCU. The Redbirds had a rate of 0.298, while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.111. Phil Fayne played a pivotal role for Illinois State with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Knights’ previous outing, 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). With 14 points and 13 rebounds, UCF’s Collin Smith had a good game.
The prolific offense of UCF will go head-to-head 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 figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Aubrey Dawkins has averaged 0 points over the last five games for UCF.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. UCF Knights Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Ucf, ATS Winner – UCF, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UCF ranks 129th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5) while Illinois State ranks 225th (26.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Redbirds’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.2, up from 0.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knights have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
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