UCF Knights vs Kansas Jayhawks Pick – 3/12/2025

The Kansas Jayhawks (20-11, 11-9 Big 12) are set to face the UCF Knights (17-15, 7-13 Big 12) in the Big 12 Tournament's second round on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This game offers a compelling matchup between two teams aiming to advance further in the tournament.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. UCF Knights Game Preview

Kansas enters the tournament as the No. 6 seed, looking to rebound from a season that concluded with four losses in their final seven games. The Jayhawks have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, allowing an average of 67.9 points per game, ranking them 61st nationally. Offensively, they average 75.5 points per game, placing them 130th in the nation. Key player Hunter Dickinson leads the team with 17.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Dajuan Harris contributes significantly with 5.8 assists per game.

UCF, the No. 14 seed, is coming off an impressive 87-72 victory over Utah in the tournament's opening round. The Knights play at a fast pace, averaging 75.7 possessions per game, which ranks them sixth nationally. They score an average of 78.8 points per game (61st nationally) but struggle defensively, allowing 79.6 points per game (345th nationally). Keyshawn Hall leads the team with 18.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, and Darius Johnson adds 16.5 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: Kansas is favored by 9.5 points.
• Moneyline: Kansas -549, UCF +400.
• Total Points (Over/Under): 152.5 points.

These odds suggest that Kansas is the clear favorite, with a significant point spread and moneyline advantage. The total points line indicates expectations of a high-scoring game, reflecting both teams' offensive capabilities and UCF's defensive vulnerabilities.

Betting Trends

• Kansas has covered the spread in 15 of 31 games this season.
• UCF has a 14-18 record against the spread this season.
• When favored by 9.5 points or more, Kansas has a 50% cover rate (6-6).
• As underdogs of 9.5 points or more, UCF has covered the spread 66.7% of the time (4-2).

These trends indicate that while Kansas has been a reliable favorite, UCF has shown resilience in covering large spreads as an underdog.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. UCF Knights Prediction

Considering Kansas's defensive strength and UCF's fast-paced but defensively weak style, the Jayhawks are well-positioned to control the game's tempo and limit the Knights' scoring opportunities. Kansas's balanced attack, led by Dickinson and Harris, should exploit UCF's defensive shortcomings. While UCF's high-paced offense can keep them competitive, Kansas's experience and defensive prowess are likely to secure them a victory.

Prediction: Kansas 79, UCF 72.

Given the point spread of 9.5, UCF may cover the spread, making them an appealing option for bettors. However, Kansas is expected to win the game outright. The total points line of 152.5 suggests a high-scoring affair, but considering Kansas's defensive capabilities, the total may lean towards the under.

As always, bettors should consider these insights alongside their own research and risk tolerance when making wagering decisions.