Iowa State Cyclones (22-6) vs. Central Florida Knights (15-12)
March 2, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Central Florida Knights +3.5; Over/Under: +133.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Iowa State Cyclones will play the UCF Knights in a Big 12 game on Saturday afternoon at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. Let’s take a look at the Iowa State preview, UCF preview, betting matchup, and the Iowa State vs UCF prediction.
Iowa State Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones are 22-6 (11-4) this year after they defeated Oklahoma by score of 58-45 in their last game. Iowa State led 25-20 at halftime and they held Oklahoma to only 25 second half points in the win. The Cyclones shot 33.3% from the field and were +5 in rebounding margin in the game. Iowa State has won six of their last seven games, with the lone loss coming against Houston on the road. The Cyclones are scoring 77.2 points per game with 34.7 rebounds per game and 16.3 assists per game, while allowing 62.3 points against per game this year. Keshon Gilbert is averaging 13.9 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 4.2 assists per game. Iowa State is shooting 46.8% from the field, 69.3% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this season.
UCF Preview
The UCF Knights are 15-12 (6-9) this season after they defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 77-71 in their last game. UCF trailed 42-38 at halftime, but they out scored Oklahoma State 39-29 in the second half for the win. The Knights shot 42.3% from the field and were +13 in rebounding margin in the game. UCF defeated Texas Tech by a score of 75-61 in the game prior to Oklahoma State, but they did lose the previous four games. The Knights are scoring 72.2 points per game with 38 rebounds per game and 11.9 assists per game, while giving up 66.9 points against per game this season. Jaylin Sellers is averaging 16.3 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. UCF is shooting 41.8% from the field, 70.7% on free throws, and 31.9% on three pointers this year.
Iowa State vs UCF Betting Prediction
UCF comes into this game on a two game winning streak and they will have the home court advantage, but they are only 6-9 in conference play this season. The Knights are only shooting 41.8% from the field and will face a great Iowa State defense in this game. The Cyclones are 11-4 in the Big 12 and they are one game behind Houston for first place. Iowa State is very good on both ends of the floor and I just can’t trust this UCF team shooting the basketball. Take Iowa State on the road.
