The stage is set for exciting matchups in college basketball as the BYU Cougars take on the Houston Cougars and the UCF Knights challenge the Kansas Jayhawks.
The BYU Cougars (9-5) will look to break out of their three-game losing streak when they host the Houston Cougars (4-10) on January 8, 2025. This battle will take place at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, with the game scheduled to tip-off at 9:00 PM ET. Both teams are desperate for victories, as they have each suffered three losses consecutively.
BYU is coming off a disappointing 66-53 defeat against West Virginia, where Kemery Martin topped the scoring charts with 16 points. The Cougars enter this matchup with solid scoring averages, putting up 67.4 points per game, ranking 160th nationally, and allowing their opponents to score 61.2, positioning them at 132nd. With a scoring differential of +86, BYU has the upper hand statistically, particularly with Delaney Gibb averaging 16.5 points per game, which ranks 102nd nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Houston Cougars have also been struggling, particularly on offense, averaging just 60.4 points per game, which ranks them 280th. Their last outing ended poorly, as they were edged 69-60 by Arizona State. Laila Blair leads the team with 11.8 points per game but has not been able to lift the team’s performance significantly. The overall struggle shows with Houston being outscored by 1.6 points per game.
Prediction experts favor BYU with a projected score of 71-55, driven by their home-court advantage and scoring capacity. If BYU can capitalize on Houston's weaknesses, they may secure the much-needed win.
Switching gears to another prominent matchup, the UCF Knights have shown resilience and will aim to cause trouble for the Kansas Jayhawks. UCF recently won 87-83 against the Texas Tech Red Raiders and boasts confidence as they enter this matchup. The spread lines currently show UCF at +5.5 against Kansas, which some betting experts find attractive with odds at -110. Last season, UCF managed to upset Kansas with a 65-60 victory when these teams last met, giving them historical confidence heading back on the court.
Kansas, coming off their own disappointing loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers (62-61 at home), will be wary of UCF’s potential to cover the spread. Their overall record and current form might position them as favorites, but the Knights have been known to shine under pressure, especially when it matters most. The last match between these teams could ring louding within their minds. Kansas holds the -213 odds to win, implying they are at 68% likelihood of victory. On the flip side, UCF presents great value with +176 odds, making them a tempting underdog bet.
Player performance is also key to these matchups. For those interested in prop bets, Moustapha Thiam from UCF is available at -100 for scoring over 8.5 points, which could be backed confidently. Similarly, Hunter Dickinson of Kansas can be wagered to secure over 11.5 rebounds at odds of -130, presenting another attractive betting line. The trends show UCF has covered the spread 6 times out of their last 10, which supports the notion of their resilience.
Both games promise to showcase high-stakes college basketball action, as BYU and UCF are poised to aim for rebounds from tough periods. With the past games weighing heavily on both teams, every minute on the court will be pivotal for success.