Betting Line, Prediction For Cincinnati-UCF College Basketball Crown Quarterfinals Matchup

 The Bearcats earned another Big 12 matchup this season in the quarterfinal of the College Basketball Crown. Cincinnati takes on UCF Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. UC is a 3.5-point betting favorite in the game with a point total of 152.5 points.

The Bearcats are ranked 51st on KenPom, while UCF is 69th in the metric.

UC enters the game 16-18 against spread and 19-15 straight up, while UCF is 16-18 ATS and 18-16 SU this season. The Bearcats beat UCF 93-83 on Feb. 5 and are trying to punch a ticket to the CBC semifinals on Saturday.

Bart Torvik gives the Bearcats a 66% chance to win with a projected score of 78-74. No Keyshawn Hall (18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds) in this game makes it really hard for me to map out a UCF upset win in this spot. Cincinnati has its full roster available, while UCF is dealing with transfer portal entries just like DePaul did.

Hall was a major factor in UCF's rebounding and shooting acumen this season and Cincinnati still beat them by 10 on the road with Hall scoring 23 points. It could get ugly without him on Thursday night.

Prediction: 80-71 Bearcats

Season Prediction Record: 25-9

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.