Kansas vs UCF Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Kansas vs UCF prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 3rd at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks are 10-3 (0-0) this season after they defeated Davidson by a score of 90-61 in their last game. Kansas led 51-30 at halftime and added 39 points in the second half in the lopsided win. The Jayhawks shot 58% from the field, 52% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Flory Bidunga led Kansas with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Tre White added 18 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Kansas defeated Towson by a score of 73-49 and NC State by a score of 77-76. Kansas has scored 75.8 points per game with 40.2 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 63.3 points against per game this season. Flory Bidunga is averaging 14.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while Tre White is averaging 14.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the Jayhawks. Kansas is shooting 46.8% from the field, 74.8% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this season. 

UCF Knights Betting Preview

The UCF Knights are 11-1 (0-0) this year after they defeated FAU by a score of 85-80 in their last game. UCF trailed 38-33 at halftime, but they scored 52 points in the second half for the win. The Knights shot 49% from the field, 32% on three pointers, and 68% on free throws in the game. Themus Fulks led UCF with 24 points and 12 assists, while Riley Kugel added 18 points and six rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, UCF defeated FGCU by a score of 102-80 and Mercer by a score of 81-63. The Knights have scored 88.3 points per game with 40.8 rebounds and 17.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.9 points against per game this season. Jordan Burks is averaging 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Riley Kugel is averaging 13.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Knights. UCF is shooting 49.6% from the field, 74.0% on free throws, and 39.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why the UCF Knights will win

• UCF has won each of its last seven games at Addition Financial Arena.
• Kansas has lost the first half in four of its last five January road games as an AP-ranked team.

Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win

• Kansas has won each of its last eight games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• UCF has lost nine of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• UCF has lost the first half in five of its last six games against the Big 12 Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty-one of UCF’s last 22 games against AP-ranked opponents at Addition Financial Arena have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
• Each of Kansas’ last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.

Kansas vs UCF Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup on nice winning streaks, but only one will start 1-0 in conference play. Kansas has won four in a row and they have scored at least 77 points in three of those four wins. UCF has won 10 games in a row, but they have allowed 80 points in two straight. Both teams shoot the ball very well, but Kansas has allowed 61 points or fewer in four of their last five games. I think the Kansas defense will be the difference and I like them to cover on the road.

David Racey's Pick: Kansas -3.5