UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction 4/3/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a UCF vs Cincinnati prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, April 3rd at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 2nd Round of the College Basketball Crown. 

UCF Knights Betting Preview

The UCF Knights are 18-16 (7-13) this year after they defeated Oregon State by a score of 76-75 in their last game. UCF led 45-36 at halftime, but they allowed 39 points in the second half and needed a late free throw to get the win. The Knights shot 41.8% from the field, 38.5% on three pointers, and 71.4% on free throws in the game. Tyler Hendricks led UCF with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Darius Johnson added 15 points and four rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Knights lost to Kansas by a score of 98-94, but did beat Utah by a score of 87-72 before that. UCF has alternated wins and losses over their last seven games and they finished tied for 12th in the Big 12 standings with a 7-13 record. UCF has scored 79.2 points per game and they have allowed 80 points against per game, while also averaging 36.7 rebounds and 14.2 assists per game this season. Keyshawn Hall is the team’s leading scorer, but he didn’t play against Oregon State, while Darius Johnson is averaging 16.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this year. UCF is shooting 42.4% from the field, 77.7% on free throws, and 33.6% on three pointers this season. 

Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Bearcats are 19-15 (7-13) this season after they defeated DePaul by a score of 83-61 in their last game. Cincinnati led 33-23 at halftime and they scored 50 points in the second half for the easy victory. The Bearcats shot 49.3% from the field, 42.9% on three pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Dillon Mitchell led Cincinnati with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Day Day Thomas added 13 points and seven steals in the game. 

Prior to that blowout win, the Bearcats lost to Iowa State by a score of 76-56, but did beat Oklahoma State by a score of 87-68 before that. Cincinnati has lost four of their last six games and they also finished tied for 12th in the Big 12 standings with a 7-13 record. Cincinnati has scored 70.9 points per game and they have allowed 65.6 points against per game, while also averaging 34.6 rebounds and 13.8 assists per game this season. Jizzle James is averaging 12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, while Simas Lukosius is averaging 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this year. Cincinnati is shooting 44.8% from the field, 66.8% on free throws, and 32% on three pointers this season. 

Why Cincinnati will beat UCF 

• Cincinnati has won each of its last five games against UCF.
• UCF has lost five of its last six day games against Conference opponents.
• Cincinnati has won the first half in five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Eleven of Cincinnati’s last 12 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
• Eleven of UCF’s last 13 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Cincinnati ranks T11th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (13.8).
• Cincinnati ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.5).
• UCF ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (62.6).
• UCF ranks 23rd among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (77.9%).

UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction 

Cincinnati comes into this matchup after blowing out DePaul in the first round and they are a decent sized favorite here. The Bearcats have been very inconsistent this season, but they did beat UCF by a score of 93-83 in the regular season. UCF was able to sneak by Oregon State in their first round game, but they have really struggled on defense, as they have allowed 75+ points in two of their last three games. The Knights are only shooting 42.4% from the field this year and I think Cincinnati’s strong defense will be the difference. Take the Bearcats to cover here. 

David Racey's Pick: Cincinnati -6