The UCF Knights are set to face off against the Florida Atlantic Owls at State Farm Field House in Orlando, Florida, in an exciting non-conference matchup on Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST. This marks the first encounter between the two teams this season, with UCF boasting an impressive 10-1 record in non-conference play, while Florida Atlantic comes in with a solid 8-4 record.
The current betting line from BetMGM Sportsbook favors the Knights by 8.5 points, with an over/under set at 160.5. UCF has demonstrated dominance in their games this season, particularly in contests decided by significant margins, holding an 8-1 record in such scenarios.
Florida Atlantic ranks fourth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) with an impressive 36.1 rebounds per game, largely thanks to Devin Vanterpool, who leads the team, averaging 7.2 rebounds. Additionally, the Owls are known for their perimeter shooting, averaging 9.3 made three-pointers per game—slightly surpassing UCF’s allowance of 7.9 per game.
Highlight performers for UCF include Jordan Burks, who is averaging 13.7 points, and Carmelo Pacheco, who has been consistent from beyond the arc, averaging 2.1 made three-pointers in the last 10 games. For Florida Atlantic, Vanterpool contributes significantly with an average of 16.7 points and 2.0 made three-pointers per game, while Kanaan Carlyle showcases strong shooting with a 40.2% success rate from three, averaging 11.2 points.
In their previous 10 games, UCF has been remarkable, recording a 9-1 streak, posting averages of 89.3 points, 37.1 rebounds, 17.8 assists, and impressive shooting at nearly 50% from the field. In contrast, the Owls have had a mixed run at 6-4, scoring an average of 82.1 points and showing solid defensive metrics with 5.7 blocks per game.
As both teams gear up for this contest, fans can expect a thrilling display of talent on the court. This game serves as an opportunity for both programs to set the tone for the remainder of the season, highlighting their aspirations to excel further in their respective conferences.