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UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction 2/5/25 College Basketball Picks Today

Cincinnati (12-9) vs. UCF (13-8)
February 5, 2025 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: UCF -3; Over/Under: 144.5
(Get latest betting odds)

In this article, we will formulate a UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction for this college basketball game on Wednesday, February 5th, at The CFE Arena. Let’s take a look at a UCF Knights vs Cincinnati Bearcats pick. 

Can UCF Make Enough Defensive Stops?

One thing we know about this UCF team is that they can really score, but their defense has proven to be an issue at times, and that has to be a concern heading into this game. Two games ago against Kansas, they scored 87 points, but the defense gave up 91 points. In the last game against BYU, the offense scored 75 points, but the defense gave up 81 points and that led to the defeat. UCF shot only 37.1 percent from the field while they allowed BYU to shoot 48.3 percent from the field. 


UCF comes into this game with a 13-8 record overall and they have gone 11-10 against the spread. The over has hit in 12 of the games so far this season. UCF is averaging 79.6 points, while their defense is giving up 78.8 points per game. The offense is ranked 63rd in the league while the defense is ranked 76th. This is a team that gets a ton of shots up, and they are 34th in the league in terms of shots per game. Keyshawn Hall is averaging 18.1 points while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from behind the three-point line. Early stops in this game are going to be key to coming away with a victory. 

Must win for Cincinnati?

As Cincinnati has been up and down in the Big 12, this feels almost like a must-win as they try to improve their stock for the NCAA tournament. Cincinnati has lost four games in a row and three of the games weren’t all that close. Two games ago against Utah was the closest and even that one they lost 69-66. In the last game against West Virginia, the offense only managed 50 points, and that led to the defeat. The Bearcats shot only 31.5 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from behind the three-point line. 

The Bearcats sit with a 12-9 record overall, and they have only gone 7-14 against the spread. The over has only hit in three of the games. The Bearcats are averaging 70 points while their defense is giving up 63 points per game. The offense is ranked 283rd in the league, while the defense is ranked 14th. In this game, it’s going to come down to if the offense can get enough going. Simas Lukosius is averaging 12 points while shooting 41.3 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from behind the three-point line. 

UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction

Trusting either of these teams feels pretty scary, but I just don’t trust this Bearcats offense, even against a bad defensive team. This UCF team has pushed the pace and run up the score against everyone. UCF is averaging 79.6 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. Cincinnati’s offense is going to have no answer, and this is going to be a blowout victory here. Back UCF To win this game and cover the spread here. 

Shane Mickle's Free Pick: UCF -3

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Shane Mickle

Sports is about all Shane knows in this life! He has a passion for sports and writing, which makes working for Sportschatplace a perfect job for him! If you find him cheering for a team it's usually a Minnesota team, or the Kansas Jayhawks!

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