Miami vs. UCF Odds
| Miami Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -105 | 131.5 -115o / -105u | -105 |
| UCF Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -115 | 131.5 -115o / -105u | -114 |
The Miami Hurricanes head north to Orlando to complete a "home-and-home" series with UCF.
The Canes are looking to avenge their loss to the Knights last season.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami will enter its first true road contest Sunday with the potential to earn an important victory that will help it in the Selection Committee's eyes come March.
With the ACC appearing to be extremely top-heavy early in the season, Miami may have very limited opportunities to prove itself in conference play.
A road win against an improved Knights team would be a healthy resume boost.
Miami's season is off to a decent start, save for a convincing loss to Maryland a week ago in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off.
The Hurricanes have had a balanced scoring attack so far, without needing to rely on any one particular player to carry the entire offense. Returning starters Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller accompany key incoming transfers Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier in averaging double digits in scoring thus far.
Despite that fact, it's important to note that the Canes actually rank in the bottom 100 in terms of pace in the NCAA this year. The Knights will be happy to oblige with a low-possession game, as they actually are playing slower than Miami this year.
I would anticipate this year's total to fall significantly under last year's 184-point fiesta. Unfortunately, Vegas is already keen to the differences between this and last year's squads.
UCF Knights
Coach Johnny Dawkins has once again surprised prognosticators with his ability to lead the Knights to outperform their expectations.
UCF lost its opener versus UNC Asheville in a disappointing defensive effort. Since then, it has managed to reel off five consecutive wins, including a tournament title at Baha Mar Bahamas.
True freshman Taylor Hendricks has managed to lead the team in scoring thus far, starting in all six contests. He is the most likely matchup for Arkansas State transfer Omier.
Guard C.J. Kelly will have his hands full on the defensive end trying to stop Wong and Pack.
UCF has been able to bank a few fairly impressive wins against potential NCAA tournament-caliber teams.
However, the offensive talent Miami presents will be the most potent of any roster the Knights have matched up with to this point.
The Knights will have the benefit of playing on their home court in front of a home crowd, but I would not plan on either of those facts being a factor in the outcome of this game.
UCF is not necessarily known for having a significant home court advantage under normal circumstances. As Thanksgiving weekend concludes, students will likely be arriving back to campus around tip-off time, making it less likely they will pack the stands on Sunday evening in full force.
If you are stubbornly intent on backing the Knights, a final point in your favor may be coaching. Jim Larranaga's coaching career has been long and successful, but Dawkins likely has an in-game edge at this point in each coach's respective careers.
Miami notably faltered in the second half of its most important and final loss last season in the Elite Eight against Kansas. Coach Larranaga was unable to muster any counter to the Jayhawks' run.
Meanwhile, Dawkins has showcased an ability to coach around perceived disadvantages his Knights may have. UCF has already managed to overcome a double-digit halftime deficit this year in its defeat of Oklahoma State.
Miami vs. UCF Betting Pick
The Hurricanes' scoring depth and experienced guard play should be enough to earn a true road win against a well-coached Knights team. Wong and Pack have the ability to single-handedly vault the Canes to a win individually.
I want that ability on the side I am backing in a game that figures to have a slow pace and low total.
I am recommending Miami +0.5.
