The UCF Knights (12-6, 3-3 AAC) and the South Florida Bulls (7-12, 0-6 AAC), who both like to play patient, will clash at USF Sun Dome. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
UCF Knights at South Florida Bulls Free Prediction
The last time the Knights played, they were defeated by the No. 12 Cincinnati Bearcats, 49-38. Cincinnati’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over UCF. The Bearcats had a rate of 0.111 (below their season average of 0.272), while the Knights posted a mark of 0.060 (below their season average of 0.274). Tacko Fall had a solid game for UCF, finishing with seven points and nine rebounds.
The Bulls got blown out by the East Carolina Pirates in their last contest, 90-52. East Carolina’s 36.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over South Florida, who had a mark of 16.7. The Pirates’ mark was above their season average of 29.9, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 29.8. With 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Stephan Jiggetts was South Florida’s leading scorer.
The inefficient offense of South Florida (330th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 95.1) will clash against the elite defense of UCF (sixth in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 88.8). The Knights figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
After the Knights won both games against the Bulls last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, UCF won 59-56. The Knights had a much better free throw rate (0.175 vs. 0.063) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.7 vs. 19.7).
UCF Knights at South Florida Bulls Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – South Florida, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
UCF averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 64th in the NCAA. South Florida ranks 137th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
The Knights average 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 73rd in the NCAA. The Bulls rank 107th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
UCF ranks 127th in steals per game (6.0) while South Florida ranks 152nd in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Bulls rank 214th in assists per game (11.9) while the Knights rank 233rd (11.4).
South Florida ranks 265th in three pointers attempted per game (16.9) while UCF ranks 273rd (15.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 53.6 points per game (8.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.8 points per game (10.6 above their season average).
