UCF at Cincinnati Prediction – Basketball Picks 2/4/23

The Cincinnati Bearcats will host the Central Florida Knights in AAC play from the Fifth Third Arena on ESPNU. Cincinnati leads the head-to-head series, 12-5.

Central Florida dropped to 13-8 after losing to Temple at home. The Knights rallied back to force overtime, but the Owls would pull away in the final period, and come away with a seven-point win. UCF is scoring 72.1 points per game, while allowing 66.2 ppg, and shooting 42.9% from the field.

Central Florida has dropped four straight and this two-game road trip might be a nail in the coffin. The Knights hot start has quickly evaporated, and they’ll look to turn the tide on an experienced Cincy team hete. UCF is 4-5 in AAC play, with a 2-3 road record. Taylor Hendricks has played a big role as a true freshman, and he leads UCF in scoring (14.1) and rebounding (7.2). Former UMass guard  C.J. Kelly is second on the team at 12.4 ppg after scoring 18 points or more in four of the last six games. 

Cincinnati moved to 15-8 after beating Tulsa at home. The Bearcats cruised to victory.after holding the Golden Hurricane to 18 first half points, earning a 26-point win. Cincinnati is scoring 76.7 points per game, while allowing 67.5 ppg, and shooting 45.1% from the field.

Cincinnati abruptly got back into the win column after spanking Tulsa at home. The Bearcats are 6-4 in AAC play, with a 11-3 home record. Landers Nolley II had a 24-point outing versus the Cougs, and he leads the Bearcats in scoring (15.7), while grabbing 5.7 rpg. Longtime Cincy guard David DeJulius is scoring at identical 14.3 ppg, while dishing out a team-lead 4.7 apg. Viktor Lakhin went for a season-high 22 points against Memphis, and he’s now averaging 12.6 ppg, and leading the team in boards at 7.4 rpg. Veterans Jeremiah Davenport (9.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Mike Adams-Woods (9.5 ppg, 3.3apg) round out the starting five for Cincy.

Central Florida is 10-9-2 against the spread this season, with a 11-9-1 over/under record. Cincinnati is 15-7 ATS this year, with a 10-11 o/u record.

Cincinnati capitalized on the home spot with Tulsa, and I think they do the same thing here with a skidding Central Florida team. Cincy is one of those teams who will be on the bubble who should be able to pass the eye test and get in, they just need to remain sharp here. Look for UCF to suffer their fifth loss in a row, and take the Bearcats spread for this AAC contest.

Corey Ghee's Pick: Cincinnati -4.5