In this article we will formulate a BYU vs UCF prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, February 24th at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars are 20-7 (8-6) this year after they defeated Iowa State by a score of 79-69 in their last game. BYU led 39-30 at halftime and they scored 40 points in the second half to seal the win. The Cougars shot 50% from the field, 28% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. AJ Dybantsa led BYU with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Kennard Davis Jr added 17 points and four rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, BYU lost to Arizona by a score of 75-68, but did beat Colorado by a score of 90-86 before that. The Cougars have scored 85.5 points per game with 39.2 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.3 points against per game this season. AJ Dybantsa is averaging 24.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, while Robert Wright III is averaging 18.0 points and 4.8 assists per game for the Cougars. BYU is shooting 48.3% from the field, 74.3% on free throws, and 35.3% on three pointers this year.
UCF Knights Betting Preview
The UCF Knights are 19-7 (8-6) this season after they defeated Utah by a score of 73-71 in their last game. UCF led 41-36 at halftime, but they were outscored 35-32 in the second half in the win. The Knights shot 53% from the field, 44% on three pointers, and 67% on free throws in the game. Themus Fulks led UCF with 24 points and four assists, while Jordan Burks added 14 points and four rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, UCF defeated TCU by a score of 82-71, but lost to West Virginia by a score of 74-67 before that. The Knights have scored 81.4 points per game with 36.8 rebounds and 16.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.2 points against per game this season. Riley Kugel is averaging 14.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Themus Fulks is averaging 14.0 points and 6.7 assists per game for the Knights. UCF is shooting 47.4% from the field, 75.0% on free throws, and 37.4% on three pointers this season.
Why the BYU Cougars will win
- BYU has won each of its last 16 games at Marriott Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- UCF has lost eight of its last nine night games against AP-ranked opponents.
- BYU has won the first half in 37 of its last 40 games at Marriott Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the UCF Knights will win
- BYU has lost each of its last three games following a home win.
- UCF has won 18 of its last 24 games.
- UCF has won the first half in each of its last three games.
Total Points Facts
- Fifty-four of UCF’s last 58 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 161 or fewer points.
- Each of BYU’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 169+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- BYU ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (30.1).
- BYU ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (85.5).
- UCF ranks 29th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (29.6).
- UCF ranks 35th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (62.4).
BYU vs UCF Prediction
UCF comes into this matchup on a two game winning streak and they are tied with BYU in the Big 12, so this is a big game for each side. The Knights are shooting 47% from the field, but they have been inconsistent with their scoring recently. BYU has won three of their last four games, including a great win over Iowa State last time out. The Cougars are shooting 48% from the field and they have scored 79+ points in three of their last four. I think BYU is the much better side in this contest and I expect them to pull away in the second half for the cover.