UCF vs Texas Odds, Pick for Wednesday

This matchup between the UCF Knights and Texas Longhorns will testify to the depth of the Big 12.

The Knights come into this conference clash five games over .500 on the season and already own a massive victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. Now, they'll look to add another Big 12 powerhouse to their resume.

Speaking of that Big 12 powerhouse, the Longhorns have lost two of their first three conference matchups but are sizeable favored to even up their record here.

Despite the Longhorns being in a great bounce-back spot, there's another angle that has more value.

The Knights have already proven to be a solid addition to the conference, but their competitiveness has not stemmed from their proficiency on the offensive end of the floor.

UCF comes into this matchup 264th in effective field goal percentage, ranking outside the top 250 in both 2-point and 3-point percentage.

Despite poor numbers as a team, the Knights have a deadly backcourt duo that can give any defense issues. Jaylin Sellers and Darius Johnson have combined to average nearly 32 points per game while making 42% of their attempts.

They will have to contend with a Texas team that's solid defensively, ranking 49th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

Although, the Longhorns will be at a size disadvantage and have been burned from beyond the arc, so the Knights should have the chance to get rolling offensively.

While the Knights have had trouble putting the ball in the bucket, the same can't be said for Texas. Rodney Terry's team can fill it up, as they rank 37th nationally in effective field goal percentage.

If you're going to talk about the Longhorns scoring, you have to mention Max Abmas.

The Oral Roberts legend has proven his game can carry over to the upper echelon of college hoops. Abmas comes into this game averaging 18 points per game on 46% shooting, including over 41% from downtown.

He's far from alone when it comes to production, as Texas has four other players averaging double-digit points per game.

However, Abmas and the rest of the Longhorns will be in for a test, as this UCF club prides itself on its work on the defensive end of the floor.

The Knights rank 17th in adjusted defensive efficiency and have controlled the paint, ranking 24th in 2-point percentage allowed and fourth in block rate.

Texas will be in for a battle on the offensive end of the floor, but it remains to be seen if the Knights defense will travel in conference play.

The must-have app for college basketball bettors

The best NCAAB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

The total for this matchup opened a bit low, as we know how prolific the Longhorns can be on the offensive end. But what puts the over in play tonight is the Knights.

UCF's backcourt is dynamic, and it should have the opportunity to create looks for itself and its big men against an undersized Texas team.

The X-factor will be turning defense into offense, as the Knights are eighth in turnover rate while Texas ranks 226th in offensive turnover rate.

Take the over.

Pick: Over 139 (Play to 140.5)