The UCF Knights (12-5) travel to face off against the Iowa State Cyclones (15-2) on Tuesday, January 21st. This game will be played at Hilton Coliseum in Ames and televised on ESPN+. Both UCF and Iowa State will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 ET.
UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones
The Knights Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
UCF Knights Recent Game/Games
The Knights fell to 12-5 on the season after a narrow 69-68 loss to Houston on Saturday. Despite being +13.5 point underdogs, UCF kept the game close and covered the spread.
UCF led 38-30 at halftime but allowed 39 points in the second half while scoring just 30. The combined points of 137 fell just under the O/U line of 138.5.
The Cyclones Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Iowa State’s season record moved to 15-2 after a 64-57 road loss to West Virginia on Saturday. The Cyclones, who were -6.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.
Trailing 25-24 at halftime, Iowa State allowed 39 points in the 2nd half while scoring 33. The game’s total points of 121 fell short of the 136.5 O/U line.
Knights Offense Breakdown
UCF’s offense put up 68 points in their last game, shooting 40.3% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.2%, and they hit 64.7% of their free throws, going 11-for-17 from the line.
J’Wan Roberts led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 58.8% from the field. Moustapha Thiam added 18 points on 70% shooting, and Ja’Vier Francis contributed 16 points, hitting 5 of his 6 shots.
Cyclones Offense Breakdown
Iowa State struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 57 points with a field goal percentage of 43.9%. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.6%, largely due to their poor three-point shooting, hitting just 1 of 17 attempts (5.9%). They were more effective inside, connecting on 60% of their two-point shots.
The Cyclones managed only 4 assists and 8 offensive rebounds. At the free-throw line, they made 6 of 7 attempts, shooting 85.7%. Javon Small led the team with 27 points and 7 rebounds, while Curtis Jones added 18 points and 8 boards.
Knights Team Defense
UCF’s defense gave up 69 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 40% from the field. They allowed 25 made field goals on 62 attempts.
From three-point range, UCF’s opponents shot 30%, making 7 of 23 attempts. At the free-throw line, they went 11/17, hitting 64% of their free throws.
Cyclones Team Defense
UCF’s defense held their opponent to 69 points on 40% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point field goals on 39 attempts, a 46% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, UCF’s defense limited their opponent to 7 made threes on 23 attempts, a 30% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 11, shooting 64%. UCF gave up 16 offensive rebounds.
Knights vs Cyclones Trends
- Across their ten previous road games, UCF has an ATS mark of 6-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 5-5 while averaging 81 points per game.
- The Cyclones are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
- Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Knights have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 3-0.
- The last ten games that Iowa State was favored, they have an ATS mark of 7-3 while going 9-1 straight up.
Knights vs Cyclones Prediction
For a point-spread bet in this Cyclones vs. Cyclones matchup, we’re leaning towards the Cyclones at -16.5. Although our projections show the Cyclones winning 75-71, we suggest placing your bet on the Knights for the point-spread.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 151.5 and our model has the Knights and Cyclones finishing with a combined 146 points. Our pick is to take the under.
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.
Last updated:January 21, 2025 Iowa State Cyclones, UCF Knights