UCF vs Kansas Picks and Prediction – 1/29/2025

The UCF Knights (13-6, 4-4 Big 12) travel to face the No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks (14-5, 5-3 Big 12) at Allen Fieldhouse. UCF enters this matchup fresh off an 85-58 win over TCU, while Kansas is recovering from a double-overtime 92-86 loss to Houston. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

UCF’s offense is driven by guard Keyshawn Hall, who leads the team with 17.2 points per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 79.8% at the line. Hall also contributes significantly on the boards with 6.8 rebounds per game. Guard Darius Johnson adds versatility, leading the team in assists (4.1) and steals (2.4), while center Moustapha Thiam’s 2.6 blocks per game anchor the interior. UCF scores 79.5 points per game, fueled by its pace, but the Knights' defense has been a concern, allowing 78 points per contest. Rebounding is solid at 37.2 per game, but 42.3% shooting leaves room for improvement.

Defensively, UCF has struggled to contain opponents, as shown in recent high-scoring losses to Iowa State and Arizona. The perimeter defense and inability to slow opposing offenses have been liabilities, and Kansas’ overall play will pose a challenge. However, the Knights’ ability to force turnovers and push the pace may keep them competitive.

Kansas is led by center Hunter Dickinson, who averages 15.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 53.4%. Guard Dajuan Harris Jr. is the playmaker of the offense with 5.8 assists per game, while Flory Bidunga contributes on both ends with 1.4 blocks. The Jayhawks’ offense scores 76.8 points per game on 48.1% shooting, and the defense allows just 64.8 points per contest, showing a balanced attack.

Kansas’ defense has been its backbone, particularly in transition and on the glass, where they hold a rebounding edge over most opponents with 39.2 boards per game. However, a recent loss to Houston highlighted issues in perimeter defense. To regain form, Kansas will need to stifle UCF’s quick pace while using Dickinson’s dominance inside to control the game.

Kansas’ home-court advantage at Allen Fieldhouse and defensive edge make them the favorite. The Jayhawks’ ability to limit UCF’s offense while capitalizing on efficient scoring should secure a win. Final Score Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks win 88-72.