Oregon vs. UCF Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds for NIT Tournament

Oregon vs. UCF Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds for NIT Tournament

Two teams on different coasts face off when the Central Florida Knights and the Oregon Ducks meet in the NIT Tournament second round. The Knights come into this game with a 19-14 record, while the Ducks boast a 20-14 record. Both teams are coming off blowouts in the first round, with Oregon dismantling UC Irvine 84-58 while the Knights beat Florida 67-49. The Spread is now +4, falling from 5.5 with injury trouble for Oregon.

Oregon vs. UCF Prediction

Oregon is still grappling with significant injuries that might prove to be a major hurdle in this game. The team's three leading scorers, N’Faly Dante, Jermaine Couisnard, and Will Richardson, all seniors, did not play in their last game against UC Irvine, and this could be a significant disadvantage.

The Ducks did not face much difficulty in their previous game, as UC Irvine is only ranked 235th in average height. However, the Knights are a different story, with an average height of 39th in the nation. Additionally, with Taylor Hendricks, a 6’ 9” excellent scorer on the Knights team, Oregon might miss their 6’ 11” N’Faly Dante even more without a true center.

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On the other hand, the Knights are a force to reckon with, and their length has been a significant advantage for them. Their length disrupted Florida in their previous game, which they won 67-49, with Colin Castleton out for Florida. The Knights were dominant in the game, with a 52.7% field goal percentage, and they buried 6 of 15 shots from beyond the perimeter.

Their rebounding skills were also impressive, with a total of 39 rebounds and 10 offensive rebounds. Oregon gave up 20 offensive rebounds to UC Irvine in their last game, a team that is not even known for strong offensive rebounding. This could prove to be a significant advantage for the Knights, who have a 34% offensive rebounding rate, ranking 24th in the nation.

Despite Oregon's impressive record, their injuries might prove to be too much to overcome in this game. The Knights had a tumultuous season, but their length and rebounding skills have been unmatched in previous games.

When comparing the statistics, the Knights are averaging 72.1 points per game, ranking 172nd in the nation, and shooting 43.2% from the floor. They are shooting 36.0% from beyond the perimeter and 77.1% from the free-throw line. On defense, the Knights are able to force 14.7 turnovers per contest and draw 16.3 fouls. They also rank 49th in the country in PPG allowed, conceding 65.5 PPG.

The Ducks are averaging 75.2 points per game, ranking 94th in the nation, and shooting 46.1% from the floor. They are shooting 37.7% from beyond the perimeter and 72.6% from the free-throw line. On defense, the Ducks are able to force 13.6 turnovers per contest and draw 15.8 fouls. They also rank 122nd in the nation in PPG allowed, conceding 68.3 PPG.

The stats are actually pretty close, but that is considering Oregon has their three best players on the court. With three leading scorers out, Oregon still handled UC Irvine, but I think they have a much tougher time against UCF with the added length. UCF should dominate the boards and at least cover in this game, although I think they have a decent chance to win outright.

Oregon vs. UCF Pick

Pick: UCF +4 @ (-110) Bet $100 to collect $190 Get the best odds at DraftKings; click here to bet

Oregon vs. UCF Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: March 19, 2023
• Start Time: 7:30 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ESPNU, ESPN+

Oregon vs. UCF Odds

• Spread: Oregon -4 (-110) | UCF +4 (-110)
• Total Odds: 137 (O (-110), U (-110)
• Moneyline: Oregon (-176) | UCF (+165)

Click here for Oregon vs. UCF odds