Feb. 4, 2026, 6:42 a.m. ET
The No. 8 Houston Cougars (19-2, 7-1 Big 12) host the UCF Knights (17-4, 6-3) Wednesday for a 7 p.m. ET (FS1) tip from Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NCAA basketball odds around the UCF vs. Houston odds and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions for the best bets.
UCF has won 3 games in a row after handling the Texas Tech Red Raiders 88-80 Saturday and covering as a 4.5-point home underdog with the Over (159.5) hitting. G Themus Fulks scored a team-high 21 points, while the team also got double-doubles from C John Bol (14 points, 10 rebounds) and F Jamichael Stillwell (10, 10).
Houston has won back-to-back games after dominating the Cincinnati Bearcats 76-54 Saturday, covering as a 13.5-point home favorite with the Under (134.5) hitting. G Milos Uzan led all scorers with 16 points as the Cougars shot 45% from the field in the blowout.
Houston beat UCF for the 10th straight time last season (69-68) and leads the all-time series 22-10.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch NCAA basketball on Fubo!UCF at Houston odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:35 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): UCF +825 (bet $100 to win $825) | Houston -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): UCF +14.5 (-105) | Houston -14.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)UCF at Houston picks and predictionsPrediction
Houston 81, UCF 65
PASS.
There is no value on the Cougars (-1400) to win at home, where they are 11-0 this season.
LEAN HOUSTON -14.5 (-115).
The Knights have played well this season, but the Cougars have simply been better. They are 7-3 ATS over their last 10 games and have covered in each of their last 3 games as double-digit favorites. The Cougars play their best at home, while the Knights are 2-2 ATS in their last 4 on the road.
With this wide of a spread, the Knights can get hot fast, so be careful with the amount of units you throw at this.
BET UNDER 148.5 (-115).
The Knights have hit the Under in 7 of their last 9 games, including 3 of their last 4 on the road. They have scored 77 or fewer points in 4 of their last 8.
The Cougars have hit the Under in 6 of their last 9. They have scored 79 or fewer points in 7 of their last 9, while allowing 70 or fewer points in 7 of their last 9.
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