In 2019, head coach Johnny Dawkins took the UCF Knights to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. At that time, there was the belief that UCF could be a new emerging power in College Basketball odds. Since that run, UCF has never returned to the Big Dance. However, the Knights may bust through this season. UCF is off to a strong start in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. And the Knights have one of the best and most balanced offenses in college hoops.
On Saturday, Dawkins and the Knights will have a golden opportunity to step out in front of the nation. The #1-ranked Arizona Wildcats will come calling to Addition Financial Arena. Arizona is a college basketball legacy brand and a serious contender for the Final Four. UCF will get its chance to prove it belongs.
Arizona Wildcats at UCF Knights NCAAB Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, January 17, 2026, 4 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Arizona at UCF Betting Odds Analysis
Sharps see Arizona as a potentially strong betting value because of its more favorable road-team price. But some Wise Guys prefer the UCF Knights as home dogs, expecting more points than usual given the powerful Arizona brand.
Arizona Wildcats Team Overview
The Arizona Wildcats are 17-0 straight up, 11-6 against the spread, and 11-6 over/under the offshore bookmaker total. Late on, Arizona has covered three out of its last four games. While the Wildcats have gone over the total in seven of their previous eight matchups.
The Wildcats rank 17th in scoring offense, 7th in field goal percentage, 36th in 3-point field goal percentage, 115th in free throw percentage, and 4th in offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Wildcats have NCAABB metrics of 54th for scoring defense, 35th for field goal percentage permitted, 136th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 3rd for defensive rebounding.
UCF Knights Team Overview
The UCF Knights are 14-2 straight up, 9-7 against the spread, and 6-10 over/under the college basketball total. Late on, UCF has covered two out of its last five games. While the Knights have gone under the total in four of their previous four matchups.
UCF has NCAABB metrics of 67th in scoring offense, 38th in field goal percentage, 23rd in 3-point field goal percentage, 168th in free throw percentage, and 100th in offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Knights have NCAABB metrics of 180th for scoring defense, 156th for field goal percentage permitted, 134th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 35th for defensive rebounding.
Arizona at UCF Betting Trends
Arizona has been a reliable betting value on the road, posting 13 payouts in its last 19 games. In turn, the Wildcats went under the total in four of their last six away games. Central Florida lost only two of its last seven home games against the spread. Four of the last five home games for the Knights went under the total. In the only previous meeting between the Knights and Wildcats, UCF covered the spread last year. The game went over the total.
As a home dog, UCF covered the spread in only two of its last six games. The Knights went under the total in 14 of their last 18 games as a home dog. In comparison, Arizona covered the spread in eight of its last 11 games as a road favorite. The Wildcats went over the total in 14 of their last 19 games as a road chalk.
Arizona at UCF SBG Free Picks
As mentioned earlier, Arizona excels in this spot while UCF does not. The road team discount adds to Arizona’s appeal.
Arizona at UCF SBG Best Bet: Arizona Wildcats.