Kansas Jayhawks vs UCF Knights Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our UCF vs Kansas NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lawrence.

UCF vs Kansas Prediction

Planning on watching today's Knights and Jayhawks game? Catch the action at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS, as the Jayhawks hosts this showdown at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. This Big 12 conference matchup has an over/under of 152.5 points, and Kansas is favored to win by -13 at home vs. UCF.

UCF vs. Kansas Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: UCF Knights at Kansas Jayhawks
Where: Lawrence at Allen Fieldhouse
Date: Tuesday, January 28th
Betting Odds KAN -13, UCF +655 | KAN -1025 O/U 152.5

Knights Preview: Can the Knights Pull Off a Road Win?

UCF Knights Recent Game/Games

UCF improved to 13-6 this season with an 85-58 home win over TCU on Saturday. The Knights entered the game as 4-point favorites and covered the spread with ease. The total score of 143 points fell short of the O/U line of 148.5.

UCF took control early, leading 37-23 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the second half, scoring 48 points while allowing 35.

Knights Offense Breakdown

UCF put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 45% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range, hitting 13 of 31 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 56.7%, and they connected on 81.8% of their free throws, going 18 for 22.

Keyshawn Hall led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 60% from beyond the arc. Moustapha Thiam added 16 points, hitting 7 of 10 shots and 2 of 3 from deep. The Knights dished out 20 assists, with Darius Johnson contributing 5 assists and 15 points.

Knights Team Defense

UCF's defense gave up 58 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field, hitting 27 of their 60 attempts. Inside the arc, they went 14/29, shooting 48% on two-point attempts.

From three-point range, the opposition made 13 of 31 shots, good for 41%. They also shot 81% from the free-throw line, converting 18 of 22 attempts. UCF allowed 10 offensive rebounds.

Jayhawks Preview: Will the Jayhawks Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

Kansas Jayhawks Recent Game/Games

Kansas dropped to 14-5 this season after a 92-86 home loss to Houston on Saturday. The Jayhawks entered the game as +1 underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points of 178 went well over the O/U line of 127.5.

Kansas led 38-31 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 28 points while allowing 35. Their inability to maintain their lead was a key factor in the loss.

Jayhawks Offense Breakdown

Kansas put up 86 points in their last game, shooting 45.5% from the field and hitting 9 of 25 from three-point range (36%). Their effective field goal percentage was 51.5%, and they struggled at the free-throw line, making just 56.7% of their attempts (17/30).

J'Wan Roberts led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Flory Bidunga added 19 points on 7 of 10 shooting. Mylik Wilson contributed 18 points, hitting 2 of 3 from deep, and Rylan Griffen knocked down 5 of 6 threes, finishing with 17 points.

Jayhawks Team Defense

Despite Kansas allowing 92 points, their opponent shot 45% from the field, converting 30 of 66 attempts. Inside the arc, they hit 21 of 41 shots, good for 51%.

From three-point range, Kansas gave up 9 threes on 25 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the line 30 times, where they made 17 free throws, shooting 56%. Kansas allowed 11 offensive rebounds.

Knights vs Jayhawks Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Although UCF has a straight up record of 5-5 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 6-4. The team averaged 83 points per game in these games.
The Jayhawks are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Knights have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
The Jayhawks have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.