Kansas (9-3) vs. UCF (10-2)
January 5, 2025 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: UCF +5.5; Over/Under: +148.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a UCF vs Kansas prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 5th at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
UCF Knights Betting Preview
The UCF Knights are 10-2 (1-0) this year after they defeated Texas Tech by a score of 87-83 in their last game. UCF led 47-41 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite allowing 42 points in the second half. The Knights shot 51.8% from the field, 43.5% on three-pointers, and 86.4% on free throws in the game. Darius Johnson led UCF with 24 points and four assists, while Keyshawn Hall added 22 points and eight rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Knights defeated Jacksonville by a score of 86-66 and Tulsa by a score of 88-75. UCF has won six games in a row and their two losses this year have been against LSU and Wisconsin. UCF has scored 81.3 points per game and they have allowed 74.8 points per game, while also averaging 38.3 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game this season. Keyshawn Hall is averaging 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while Jordan Ivy-Curry is averaging 15.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. UCF is shooting 44.2% from the field, 77.9% on free throws, and 35% on three-pointers this season.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview
The Kansas Jayhawks are 9-3 (0-1) this season after they lost to West Virginia by a score of 62-61 in their last game. Kansas trailed 33-20 at halftime, but they did score 41 points in the second half in the narrow loss. The Jayhawks shot 38.8% from the field, 25% on three-pointers, and 90.5% on free throws in the game. Zeke Mayo led Kansas with 27 points and two rebounds, while Dajuan Harris Jr. added 11 points and seven assists in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Jayhawks defeated Brown by a score of 87-53 and NC State by a score of 75-60. Kansas has lost three of their last five games, with the other two losses coming against Creighton and Missouri. Kansas has scored 77.7 points per game and they have allowed 65.7 points per game, while also averaging 37.8 rebounds and 18.1 assists per game this season. Hunter Dickinson is averaging 15.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while Zeke Mayo is averaging 14.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Kansas is shooting 49.1% from the field, 74.1% on free throws, and 34.8% on three-pointers this season.
Why UCF will beat Kansas
- UCF has won each of its last eight games at Addition Financial Arena.
- Kansas has lost six of its last seven road games against the Big 12 Conference.
- UCF has won the first half in each of its last seven games.
UCF vs Kansas Prediction
Kansas comes into this matchup looking for their first conference win of the season and they have struggled over the last few weeks. The Jayhawks lost at home against West Virginia in their last game and they have had some issues on the road this year. Kansas is shooting 49.1% from the field and their defense has been great, as they are allowing 65.7 points per game. UCF is 10-2 to start the season and they picked up a nice road win over Texas Tech last time out. The Knights are a high-scoring team, but their defense has had problems, as they are allowing 74.8 points per game. UCF has scored 86+ points in three straight games and I think they can give Kansas some trouble here, as I have not been impressed with the Jayhawks recently. Take UCF at home with the points.
