Texas Tech Red Raiders vs UCF Knights Matchup

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

UCF vs Texas Tech Prediction

The Knights and Red Raiders are set to face off at 2:00 ET on ESPN+. The Red Raiders will host the game at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, TX. The over/under for this game is set at 146.5 points, and Texas Tech is favored by -12.5 vs. UCF in a Big 12 conference matchup.

UCF vs. Texas Tech Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: UCF Knights at Texas Tech Red Raiders
Where: Lubbock at United Supermarkets Arena
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Betting Odds TXTECH -12.5, UCF +550 | TXTECH -820 O/U 146.5

Knights Preview: Will the Knights Find a Way to Win on the Road?

UCF Knights Recent Game/Games

UCF improved to 9-2 on the season with an 86-66 win over Jacksonville on Saturday. The Knights, playing at home, were -13.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The total score of 152 points exceeded the O/U line of 142.5.

UCF took control early, leading 47-29 at halftime. They added 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 37, maintaining their lead and securing the win.

Knights Offense Breakdown

UCF's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 86 points while shooting 58.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69.6%, thanks in part to their 58.8% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 17 attempts. They were also strong from the free-throw line, connecting on 22 of 25 shots for 88%.

Keyshawn Hall led the way with 21 points, shooting 71.4% from the field and adding 4 assists. Jordan Ivy-Curry contributed 19 points, hitting 5 of 9 threes, while Robert McCray added 18 points and 4 assists. The Knights finished with 17 assists as a team, with Darius Johnson also chipping in 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Knights Team Defense

Even with UCF shooting 58% from the field, the Knights' defense held them to 66 points. UCF made 27 of 46 shots, including 17 of 29 from two-point range.

From beyond the arc, UCF hit 10 of 17 threes, also at a 58% clip. They were solid from the free-throw line, making 22 of 25 attempts, and gave up just 5 offensive rebounds.

Red Raiders Preview: Do the Red Raiders Have What it Takes to Win as Home Favorites?

Texas Tech Red Raiders Recent Game/Games

Texas Tech improved to 9-2 on the season with a commanding 101-57 win over Lamar on Saturday. The Red Raiders were heavy favorites at -25 and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 158 exceeded the O/U line of 141.5.

Texas Tech jumped out to a 49-22 lead by halftime and continued their dominance in the 2nd half, scoring 52 points and allowing 35.

Red Raiders Offense Breakdown

Texas Tech's offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 101 points with a 55.4% field goal percentage. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 44.8% of their threes, and their effective field goal percentage was 64.6%.

At the free-throw line, they shot 88.9%, and they grabbed 13 offensive rebounds. Darrion Williams led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, hitting 4 of 6 from three-point range, while Christian Anderson added 20 points, shooting 80% from the field.

Red Raiders Team Defense

Despite Texas Tech's defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 57 points. However, they allowed a 55% shooting performance, with 36 made field goals on 65 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Texas Tech's opponent shot 44%, connecting on 13 of 29 three-point attempts. They also sent them to the free-throw line 18 times, where they hit 16 free throws for 88%.

Knights vs Red Raiders Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last three games away from home, the Knights have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs. the spread. The team averaged 86 points per game in this stretch.
Across their five previous home games, Texas Tech has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-3 while averaging 68 points per game.
Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Knights have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
The Red Raiders have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 4-1 straight up and 4-1 against the spread.