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  3. Central Florida Golden Knights vs Houston Cougars
Sat 2:00 PM ET
Central Florida Golden Knights logo
Central Florida
Golden Knights42
21-11
versus
Houston Cougars logo
Houston
Cougars57
30-7
Final
Team12T
Central Florida Golden Knights142842
Houston Cougars282957
NCAAB · Central Florida Golden Knights at Houston Cougars

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Central Florida Golden Knights vs Houston Cougars Betting Picks & Predictions

Game time: January 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET

Venue: Fertitta Center — Houston, TX

Article updated Jan 20, 6:20 AM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

In this anticipated matchup, the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Houston will go head-to-head in the Lone Star State. UCF is coming off a surprising 77-71 road upset

Game outlook

In this anticipated matchup, the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Houston will go head-to-head in the Lone Star State. UCF is coming off a surprising 77-71 road upset against Texas in their previous game, while Houston enjoyed a convincing 77-54 home win over Texas Tech. The Cougars have historically dominated the series, holding a 22-11 advantage and winning their last seven meetings. The most recent encounter between the teams resulted in an 82-71 road win for Houston. As the game approaches, Houston remains the favored team, initially opening at -17.5 and currently holding a line of -16.5.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Golden Knights +1,000 | Cougars -1,698

Spread: Golden Knights +16.5 (-110) | Cougars -16.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 128.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 94%.

Central Florida Golden Knights

In their previous contest, UCF rallied from a double-digit deficit to stun Texas on the road. Despite trailing 15-2 early in the game and being down by 12 at halftime, the Knights regrouped and closed the game on a 10-3 run to secure the victory. UCF shot 50.9% from the floor, including seven of 23 from beyond the arc, and won the rebounding battle 37-22. Jaylin Sellers led the team with 24 points off the bench. Overall, UCF has an 11-5 record and is tied for fifth in the conference with a 2-2 mark in AAC play. The Knights average 74.7 points per game and pull down 39.8 rebounds per game. They are ranked 36th in the nation in defense, allowing 65.1 points per game. Jaylin Sellers leads the team with 17.9 points per game, with Darius Johnson (14.2 points) and Marchelus Avery (8.9 points) providing additional scoring. Central Florida shoots 42.6% from the floor and 31.6% from three-point range as a team. They have a power ranking of 56 and are ranked 181st in offense and 38th in defense. They have a record of 11-5 and are 9-7 against the spread this season. Expected to win...and we did. 🎥 Highlights: UCF 77, Texas 71 pic.twitter.com/IfLJmNtKMS

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

Houston Cougars Analysis

Houston Cougars recently ended a two-game losing streak with a victory against #25 Texas Tech. The team now holds a 15-2 overall record and is tied for fifth in the AAC with a 2-2 conference mark. During the game against Texas Tech, Houston made a strong comeback with a 13-0 run in the first half, turning a three-point deficit into a 10-point lead. They maintained their advantage throughout the game, with Texas Tech unable to close the gap beyond 14 points. Houston performed well with a 52.4% shooting accuracy from the field, including eight of 17 three-pointers. They also dominated in rebounds with a 38-28 advantage. Jamal Shead led the team with 29 points and 10 assists. Overall, the Cougars have a strong defense, allowing an average of 51.5 points per game, which ranks them first in the nation. L.J. Cryer leads the team with an average of 15.2 points per game. Houston shoots 44.6% from the field and has a 35% accuracy rate from beyond the arc. They struggle at the free-throw line, making only 67.2% of their attempts. Notably, Arceneaux is out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Houston's power ranking is 3, and they are ranked 175th in offense and 1st in defense. They currently have a 15-2 overall record. 𝐇𝟏𝐌 career high 29 points for numero uno @Thejshead x #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/E9jrHCvaJG

Houston Basketball Team's Strong Defense Predicted to Overwhelm UCF in Upcoming Game

The Houston basketball team demonstrates a strong defensive prowess, which will undoubtedly pose challenges for UCF in this upcoming game, particularly given Houston's home-court advantage. Thus far, the Cougars have impressively limited their opponents to no more than 55 points per game at the Fertitta Center this season. UCF also prides itself on their strong defensive capabilities, therefore they will undoubtedly exert pressure on Houston's offensive performance throughout the game. However, it is important to note that UCF's performance on the road has been lackluster this season, as they have only managed to secure one victory out of three away games, allowing their opponents to score over 70 points in each encounter, with notable instances being 88 points against Miami and 77 points against Kansas State. UCF must now demonstrate their ability to build on their recent triumph over Texas, yet facing Houston at this juncture does not appear to be conducive to initiating a winning streak. Consequently, it is anticipated that the Cougars will dominate on their home court and secure a consecutive victory.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
Pick on the Spread

Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

Published pick: Unavailable

#CentralFloridaGoldenKnights#HoustonCougars

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Written by

SportsJaw Editorial Team

SportsJaw published this archived preview from its original game-day article. Its prediction and quoted lines are preserved as written.

About our editorial process

SportsJaw Golden Knights vs Cougars archived game preview contains historical odds and availability that may no longer be current. View history of past Golden Knights vs Cougars matchups or learn how our predictions work.

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · Central Florida Golden Knights+1,400 → +950Moved
  • Moneyline · Houston Cougars-2,995 → -1,800Moved
  • Spread · Central Florida Golden Knights+17.5 (-110) → +17.5 (-110)Unchanged
  • Spread · Houston Cougars-17.5 (-110) → -17.5 (-110)Unchanged
  • Total · Over129.5 (-110) → 127.5 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Under129.5 (-110) → 127.5 (-110)Moved

ATS and O/U trends

Central Florida Golden Knights
21-11 matchup record · 5-5-0 ATS · 5-4-1 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
Houston Cougars
30-7 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 3-7-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2024-01-20T11:20:49.269Z). Availability may have changed; review the cited sources.

Houston Cougars recently ended a two-game losing streak with a victory against #25 Texas Tech. The team now holds a 15-2 overall record and is tied for fifth in the AAC with a 2-2 conference mark. During the game against Texas Tech, Houston made a strong comeback with a 13-0 run in the first half, turning a three-point deficit into a 10-point lead. They maintained their advantage throughout the game, with Texas Tech unable to close the gap beyond 14 points. Houston performed well with a 52.4% shooting accuracy from the field, including eight of 17 three-pointers. They also dominated in rebounds with a 38-28 advantage. Jamal Shead led the team with 29 points and 10 assists. Overall, the Cougars have a strong defense, allowing an average of 51.5 points per game, which ranks them first in the nation. L.J. Cryer leads the team with an average of 15.2 points per game. Houston shoots 44.6% from the field and has a 35% accuracy rate from beyond the arc. They struggle at the free-throw line, making only 67.2% of their attempts. Notably, Arceneaux is out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Houston's power ranking is 3, and they are ranked 175th in offense and 1st in defense. They currently have a 15-2 overall record. 𝐇𝟏𝐌 career high 29 points for numero uno @Thejshead x #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/E9jrHCvaJG

Recent head-to-head

  • 2023-01-25Houston Cougars 82 · Central Florida Golden Knights 71
Final result

Matchup pick recap

Houston Cougars defeated Central Florida Golden Knights 57-42

Houston Cougars defeated Central Florida Golden Knights 57-42 on January 20, 2024, a 15-point decision in the series. Houston Cougars' strongest period was the 1st half, when it outscored its opponent 28-14. Against SportsJaw's recorded Central Florida Golden Knights +17.5 (-110) spread, Central Florida Golden Knights covered, while the 99 combined points finished under the recorded total of 127.5.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • CoversSpread · Central Florida Golden Knights +16.5 (-110)Win
  • JohnnywalkerTotal · Under 128.5 (-110)Win