Central Florida Golden Knights vs
Cincinnati BearcatsPredictions & Preview

UCF Knights to Face Cincinnati Bearcats in College Basketball Crown Tournament Final with $300K NIL Package on the Line

The College Basketball Crown tournament features a matchup between the UCF Knights and Cincinnati Bearcats at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. As part of the tournament, the top four teams will receive NIL packages, with the winning team's package valued at $300,000. Cincinnati is currently the betting favorite with a -6 opening line that has not moved. Stay tuned for our full UCF vs Cincinnati prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Golden Knights +224 | Bearcats -265
• Spread: Golden Knights +6 (-110) | Bearcats -6 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 154 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cincinnati will win straight-up is 73%.

Central Florida vs Cincinnati Stats

Central Florida Golden Knights

UCF Knights secured a narrow 76-75 victory over Oregon State in the opening round, following a season marked by highs and lows. Despite a strong start of 10-2, including a significant win over Texas A&M, setbacks like a 99-48 loss to Kansas on January 5th have seen the Knights struggle, going 5-12 in their last 17 games. Offensively, UCF averages 79.2 points per game but grapples with shooting percentages of 42.3% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. However, they excel at the free-throw line, hitting 77.6%. Defensively, they allow 80 points per game with opponents shooting 45.1% against them. Key player Keyshawn Hall leads with 18.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. The Central Florida Bearcats, ranked 268 in offense and #26 in defense with a power ranking of 82, have a 19-15 record. They hit 44.78% of their field goals, 66.81% of free throws, and 32.01% of three-pointers. Defensively, they allow 42.94% of field goals and 75.44% of free throws. Additionally, they average 34.48 rebounds, 13.70 offensive assists, and 10.24 turnovers per game. The Bearcats also allow 33.23% of three-pointers, average 33.58 defensive rebounds, 12.12 defensive assists, and 13.03 turnovers per game.

Cincinnati Bearcats Analysis

The Cincinnati Bearcats had a strong start to their season but struggled in Big 12 play, losing eight of their next 10 games. However, they finished the season strong and had a dominant tournament start. They have a balanced scoring effort with Jizzle James leading the team with 12.8 points per game. Defensively, they allow 65.6 points per game, with opponents shooting 42.9% against them. Cincinnati has a power ranking of 91 and ranks #52 for offense and #345 for defense. On the other hand, Central Florida struggled in their last three matchups against Cincinnati. They have solid shooting percentages and rebounding averages, but their defensive stats are not as strong. Cincinnati allows an average of 45.06% field goals and 73.35% free throws. Overall, Cincinnati has a stronger offense and defense compared to Central Florida.

Cincinnati's Strong Defense Gives Them Edge Over UCF in Neutral Site Matchup

In games played on neutral sites and away games, Cincinnati ranks 48th overall and UCF ranks 72nd, according to BartTorvik. UCF struggles the most defensively, as they are rated just 186th away from their home floor, while Cincinnati boasts one of the top defenses in the nation, ranked 21st. Both teams compete in the Big 12 conference and have faced similar competition. Earlier in the season, Cincinnati defeated UCF 93-83 on the road. Given their strong defense and previous success against UCF, I anticipate Cincinnati to emerge victorious once again in their upcoming matchup.

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