The No. 21 Houston Cougars (24-6, 14-4 AAC) square off with the UCF Knights (19-12, 10-9 AAC) in the American Athletic Conference Tournament at Amway Center. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
UCF Knights vs. Houston Cougars ATS Prediction
The Knights come in on a high note after topping the East Carolina Pirates in their last contest, 66-52. The Knights had an absurd free throw rate of 0.455 (above their season average of 0.275) and had a turnover percentage of 13.1 (better than their season average of 18.5). UCF was lifted by B.J. Taylor, who was the game’s high scorer with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
The last time the Cougars played, they were victorious over the Connecticut Huskies, 81-71. The Cougars had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 42.9 (above their season average of 35.1) and had a free throw rate of 0.472 (above their season average of 0.218). Rob Gray was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Houston (28th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 114.5) takes on the top-notch defense of UCF (10th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 94.4). Additionally, the Knights are among the NCAA’s best at getting to the line, ranking 50th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.280). The Cougars, meanhwile, rank 320th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.292).
Corey Davis Jr. has averaged 16.8 points and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Houston.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Gray scored a game-high 20 points and the Cougars topped the Knights 69-65. He also had five assists. The Cougars had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 17.7) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.6 vs. 25.0).
UCF Knights vs. Houston Cougars Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – UCF, ATS Winner – UCF, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks 60th in assists per game (15.4) while UCF ranks 274th (10.7).
The Cougars rank 125th in three pointers attempted per game (22.7) while the Knights rank 287th (16.7).
Houston ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (39.2) while UCF ranks 167th (34.8).
The Cougars rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Knights rank 156th (3.8).
Houston ranks 38th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while UCF ranks 132nd (6.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Knights have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. On the season, UCF has defeated opponents by an average of 1.9 points.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 84.8 points per game (6.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
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