The UCF Knights (17-14, 7-11) play the BYU Cougars (22-9, 10-8) in Big 12 action. The second round of Big 12 action kicks off today. The game is at 12:30 but is sure to set the tone for the rest of today’s college basketball games. While UCF is coming off a win, it was against a team that a lot of people are beating up in Big 12 play this year in Oklahoma State.
However, they only lost narrowly to BYU on the road by two points in February. Furthermore, they played BYU tough in their building, as it was only a five-point loss. Therefore, this game has the potential to be close today. But the Cougars are favored by a significant amount, and most would be shocked if BYU did not advance today. However, anything can happen in conference tournament action. Therefore, this is an important game to watch and monitor.
But do you see the Knights upsetting the Cougars today?
UCF Knights vs BYU Cougars Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| UCF | +6 -112 | O 145 -105 | +215 |
| BYU | -6 -108 | U 145 -115 | -265 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
UCF Knights vs BYU Cougars Game Details
- Fixture: UCF Knights @ BYU Cougars
- Date and Time: March 13, 2024 @ 12:30 pm EST
- Location: T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO
Apex Tale of the Tape
| UCF Knights | Vs. | BYU Cougars |
| 17-14 | Record | 22-9 |
| 71.5 | Points Per Game | 82.2 |
| 42.1 | FG% | 46.5 |
| 31.8 | 3PT% | 35.0 |
| 37.6 | Rebounds Per Game | 39.9 |
| 66.8 | Points Allowed Per Game | 69.5 |
| 40.7 | Defensive FG% | 42.6 |
| 32.7 | Defensive 3PT% | 31.0 |
| 72.3 | Defensive FT% | 69.8 |
| 34.5 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 33.1 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 3-2 |
| 71.1 | Team Pace | 67.5 |
Key Stats
UCF Knights
UCF is a team that is coming off an impressive win. While two of the last three wins came against Oklahoma State, their impressive win was against TCU. The TCU game was on the road, and UCF nights were one by two. Moreover, this team has the ability to stay within games due to their defense. They average 66.8 points per game and look to keep themselves within striking distance even if their players aren’t able to go off for big-scoring nights. For example, in the 77-point win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Ibrahima Diallo had a team-high 17 points. And while he will hope to add to that today, it’s more crucial that he secures the defensive glass.
Furthermore, if he can grab at least four offensive rebounds, he’ll be able to give this more limited UCF Knights offense additional opportunities. Also, C.J. Walker is coming off a strong 12-point game after going to a four from three-point range. However, he’ll hope to knock a few more in today for his team. Lastly, Darius Johnson scored 11 points against Oklahoma State, but it was off of an inefficient 3 of 10 shooting from the field. Therefore, he too will hope to get himself going offensively today.
BYU Cougars
BYU is a team that not only wants to make noise in the Big 12, but they’re on the cusp of making a deep tournament run. However, they would be a dark horse to make the Elite Eight, for example. But it shouldn’t be shocking for those who have followed this team this year. And while their record may not be what it should be, it’s important to remember that they’re playing in arguably the best conference in college basketball. While the Big 12 is not necessarily seen as a basketball conference this year, they have posted one of the more competitive playing fields.
Furthermore, it’s impressive how well this team can score the ball and keep pace with some of the more established teams. They too are coming off a win against Oklahoma State. In that game, Fousseyni Traore scored 19 points off the bench. Additionally, Jaxson Robinson pitched in 17 points off the bench. However, the starters need to up their scoring today. The only starter to get in double digits was Spencer Johnson with 14. Johnson averages 10.5 points per game, and we’ll need to at least match his output against the Cowboys if this team is going to advance.
Game Prediction
This game will be closer than some are expecting. While the UCF Knights are expected to lose, an upset wouldn’t be shocking today. Furthermore, it’s possible that the BYU Cougars have something of a letdown game today. Moreover, these conference tournament games can be close and usually come down to the wire, especially between two fairly evenly matched teams. But as stated previously, these two teams have met, and both times UCF was able to keep it close. Although BYU won both games, the margins were close enough to take UCF on the spread today. Additionally, these teams are offensively capable of having a big scoring night. But it’s more likely that it hits here. Again, an upset wouldn’t be a shock, but the safer bet is going with the UCF Knights covering and the under playing out.
Final Pick
UCF Knights -6 and Under 145
About the Author
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