The NCAA Tournament is finally here and the first wave of games takes place on Thursday, March 19th. No. 10 UCF takes the court on Friday evening against No. 7 UCLA in an opening round matchup. The Knights closed out the season losing four of five games, but snuck into the NCAA Tournament field with a key win over Cincinnati in the Big 12 Tournament. Here’s a preview, prediction, key storylines, and updated odds to keep an eye on in this matchup as we get set for tonight’s game.
UCF vs. UCLA Baptist Basketball Updated Odds
The Knights opened as a 5.5-point favorite over UCLA, with an over/under of 152.5 total points. By Wednesday afternoon, the line moved to UCLA -6.5, and the over/under jumped to 154.5 total points.
Key Storyline: Can UCF Get Back on Track?
As I noted in the intro, UCF finished off the season, losing four out of five and snuck into the tournament field on the bubble. The Knights need to get back to how they played early in the season, and that won’t be an easy task against UCLA. The Bruins built a competitive squad this season under Mick Cronin, going 23-11, good for sixth place in the Big Ten. UCF will be tasked with achieving that feat if they intend to dance on to the Round of 32.
Match Up to Watch: UCF Offense vs. UCLA Defense
UCF’s offense has been their strong point all year long. They’re posting 81 points per game which puts them in sixth in the Big 12. While that may not sound crazy, listen to the five teams they’re behind: Arizona, Oklahoma State, BYU, Baylor, and Iowa State. As for UCLA, the Bruins were alright defensively, recording the eighth-fewest points scored against, with 71 points per game. Their should be an opportunity for UCF to take control in this one, if they start off hot.
Prediction: UCF 88, UCLA 83
This may be one of my bolder predictions, of everything I’ve wrote so far, but I like the Knights a lot here. UCF has value on the money line and has battled through an impressive gauntlet in conference play to get here. Give me Johnny Dawkins’ squad to keep rolling for another round, in hopes that their deep roster can get back to the way things were early in the year. Look for big performances from Riley Kugel and Themus Fulks to make it happen.
