UCF Knights vs BYU Cougars Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Tuesday February 24 2026
Use Code WWWC UCF vs BYU is one of the most intriguing late-night matchups on the board, and if you are searching for sharp college basketball predictions, this Big 12 clash deserves attention. With a double-digit spread and one of the highest totals of the night, there are multiple betting angles worth breaking down.
Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: UCF +12.5
- Total Pick: Under 162.5
- Projected Final Score: BYU 84, UCF 75
Odds and Line Movement
Opening Odds
| Market | Central Florida | BYU |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +9.5 (-110) | -9.5 (-110) |
| Total | Over 165.5 (-110) | Under 165.5 (-110) |
Current Odds
| Market | Central Florida | BYU |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +12.5 (-115) | -12.5 (-105) |
| Total | Over 162.5 (-110) | Under 162.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | Central Florida | BYU | Public ($, #) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24 | 12:12:24PM | 11.5 -105 | -11.5 -115 | UCF 68%, UCF 56% |
| 02/24 | 11:25:39AM | 12.5 -115 | -12.5 -105 | UCF 90%, UCF 58% |
| 02/24 | 10:45:56AM | 11.5 -102 | -11.5 -120 | UCF 90%, UCF 58% |
| 02/24 | 08:31:29AM | 10.5 -102 | -10.5 -120 | UCF 99%, UCF 75% |
| 02/23 | 09:59:04PM | 10.5 -102 | -10.5 -120 | BYU 100%, BYU 100% |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under | Public ($, #) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24 | 11:25:39AM | 162.5 -110 | 162.5 -110 | UN 60%, OV 66% |
| 02/24 | 10:04:26AM | 162.5 -110 | 162.5 -110 | UN 60%, OV 66% |
| 02/23 | 09:50:44PM | 162.5 -115 | 162.5 -105 | |
| 02/23 | 04:14:28PM | 165.5 -110 | 165.5 -110 |
BYU
The Cougars are averaging 85.5 points per game while allowing 74.3. They shoot 48.3 percent from the field and are coming off a 79-69 win over No. 6 Iowa State. That performance showed their ability to score efficiently even against strong competition.
However, Richie Saunders is out after suffering a torn ACL. He was averaging 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, and that production is not easy to replace.
UCF
The Knights are scoring 81.4 points per game and allowing 77.2. They rely heavily on perimeter shooting, making 8.2 threes per game at a 37.3 percent clip. UCF also owns a +5.0 rebounding margin, which can help offset road disadvantages.
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Riley Kugel, who averages 14.0 points per game, is day-to-day after an injury. If he is limited, more responsibility falls on Themus Fulks, who averages 13.9 points and 6.7 assists per game.
UCF vs BYU
BYU has adjusted without Saunders by spreading the offense. AJ Dybantsa has taken on a larger role, while Robert Wright III continues to provide scoring and playmaking at 18.0 points per game.
At home in Provo, BYU benefits from pace and crowd energy, but laying double digits against a team that shoots the three well always carries risk.
UCF vs BYU Key Matchups and Handicap
The total has dropped from 165.5 to 162.5. That suggests the market expects some offensive regression, likely tied to injuries on both sides.
The spread has climbed from -9.5 to -12.5. That is a sizable move. UCF’s ability to hit threes and rebound gives it a path to stay within the number, even if BYU controls most of the game.
If Kugel plays meaningful minutes, UCF has enough scoring to threaten a late backdoor cover.
Betting Trends - UCF and BYU
- UCF averages 81.4 points per game and allows 77.2.
- BYU averages 85.5 points per game and allows 74.3.
- UCF shoots 37.3 percent from three and makes 8.2 threes per game.
- The total has dropped from 165.5 to 162.5.
- The spread has moved from -9.5 to -12.5 in favor of BYU.
Key Injuries and Notes - UCF and BYU
- UCF: Riley Kugel is day-to-day.
- UCF: Nate Pickens is out for the season.
- BYU: Richie Saunders is out with a torn ACL.
ATS and Total Picks
- ATS Pick: UCF +12.5
- Total Pick: Under 162.5
Final Score Prediction
BYU 84, UCF 75
How to Bet
With a large spread and a high total, line shopping is critical. Review the best sportsbooks and take advantage of available sportsbook promo codes before placing your wager.
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