Houston Cougars vs UCF Knights NCAAB Betting Prediction

Houston Cougars vs UCF Knights Prediction 1/18/2025

The Houston Cougars (13-3) travel to face off against the UCF Knights (12-4) on Saturday, January 18th. This game will be played at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando and televised on CBSS. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 12:00 ET.

Houston Cougars vs UCF Knights

The Cougars Are Coming Off A Win

Houston Cougars Recent Game/Games

Houston improved to 13-3 on the season with a 70-54 win over West Virginia on Wednesday. The Cougars, who were -16 point favorites at home, pushed against the spread. The total points for the game came in just under the O/U line of 124.5, with a combined 124 points.

Houston took control early, leading 40-27 at halftime. In the second half, they scored 30 points while holding West Virginia to 27. The Cougars’ defense continues to be a strong point, allowing just 54 points in the game.

The Knights Are Coming Off A Win

UCF Knights Recent Game/Games

UCF improved to 12-4 on the season after a 95-89 road win over Arizona State on Tuesday. The Knights entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs but not only pulled off the upset, they also covered the spread.

UCF led 49-47 at halftime and kept the momentum going in the 2nd half, outscoring the Sun Devils 46-42. The game’s total points (184) went well over the pre-game O/U line of 149.5.

Cougars Offense Breakdown

In their last game, the Cougars put up 70 points, shooting 49% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.8%. They connected on 11 of 26 three-point attempts, shooting 42.3% from deep, and hit 75% of their free throws, going 9 for 12.

J’Wan Roberts led the way with 22 points on 10 of 13 shooting, while L.J. Cryer added 18 points, hitting 5 threes at a 50% clip. Amani Hansberry contributed 16 points, making 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, and Javon Small dished out 8 assists to go along with 13 points.

Knights Offense Breakdown

UCF’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 95 points on 50.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 60%, thanks in part to hitting 46.2% from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 of 26 attempts. They also shot 81% from the free-throw line, making 17 of 21 attempts.

Keyshawn Hall led the way with 40 points, shooting 72.2% from the field and 66.7% from three-point range (4/6). BJ Freeman added 26 points, hitting 5 of 6 from deep, while Jayden Quaintance contributed 20 points, shooting 72.7% overall. The Knights also recorded 18 assists, with Hall dishing out 6 and Darius Johnson adding 7 assists to go along with his 17 points.

Cougars Team Defense

Houston’s defense gave up 54 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 49% from the field on 25 of 51 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 14 of 25 shooting, which is 56%.

From three-point range, the opposition hit 11 of 26 shots, good for 42%. They also went to the free-throw line 12 times, making 9, which is 75%. Houston allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Knights Team Defense

Houston’s defense gave up 54 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 49% from the field, hitting 25 of 51 attempts. Inside the arc, they went 14/25, good for 56%.

From three-point range, the opposition connected on 11 of 26 shots, shooting 42%. They also made 9 of 12 free throws, a 75% success rate. Houston allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Cougars vs Knights Trends

  • Across the Cougars last ten road games, the team averaged 74 points per game while allowing 68. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-5-1, while going 8-2 straight-up.
  • When looking at their past five home matchups, UCF has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 90 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
  • In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Knights have a straight up record of 4-6 and an ATS mark of 6-4.
  • The Cougars have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 5-0 straight up and 4-0-1 against the spread.

Cougars vs Knights Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +11.5, we recommend going with the Knights on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 137.5 and our model has the Cougars and Knights finishing with a combined 145 points. Our pick is to take the over.


All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!


* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.