The UCF Golden Knights (10-3, 1-0 AAC) battle the No. 3 Houston Cougars (13-1, 1-0) at Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston Saturday. Tip is set for 2 p.m. ET.'Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the UCF vs. Houston'odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Cougars beat Tulsa 89-50 Wednesday, covering a 20-point spread as road favorites. Houston is 10-4 against the spread (ATS) this season. They are 8-1 at home and 3-0 on the road as well as 2-0 on neutral courts. Houston ranks No. 1 in opponents’ points per game (49.9) and opponents’ field goal percentage (32.8%).
UCF, on the other hand, beat Wichita State 52-45 Wednesday, pushing as 7-point home favorites. The Golden Knights are 2-2-1 ATS over their last 5 games and 7-5-1 ATS on the season. Their strength is also defensive, ranking 16th in opponents’ points per game (59.6) and 30th in opponents’ field goal percentage (38.8%).