TCU Horned Frogs vs UCF Golden Knights, Free NIT Prediction — 3–28–2017
ATS Experts Free NCAAB Basketball Pick
by ATS Expert Frank Delgotto
Date: March 28, 2017 | Game Time: 9pm EST
NCAAB Odds: UCF +2.5
TCU Horned Frogs (22–15) vs Central Florida Knights (24–11)
The TCU Horned Frogs take on the UCF Golden Knights in NIT semifinal action from Madison Square Garden tonight at 9pm EST. The TCU Horned Frogs reached the NIT semi-finals with wins over Fresno State and Iowa in the first two rounds, followed by an 86–68 win over Richmond in the quarterfinals. The UCF Knights hope to build on their wins over Colorado and Illinois State in the first 2 rounds, followed up by a 68–58 quarterfinal win over Illinois. Winner of this game will face the winner of Georgia Tech vs CSU Bakersfield game in the NIT Finals.
Vladimir Brodziansky led the Horned Frogs in scoring with 20 points in the romp over Richmond. However, Kenrich Williams stole the show posting the first triple-double in school history, scoring 11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. As a team, TCU is scoring 74.5 points per game and they are one of the best passing teams in the nation averaging 17 assists per game.
TCU first year head coach, Jamie Dixon, appears to have the Horned Frogs headed in the right direction and turning this program around just like he did at Pitt. TCU’s 22 wins are the most since the 2004–05 season. The Horned Frogs are 9–2 ATS in their last 11 neutral site games and 12–5 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up win.
UCF has played extremely well as of late and are currently 9–1 SU their last 10 games with the lone loss coming from SMU in the AAC Conference Tournament. UCF took advantage of a scheduling conflict in their last game vs Illinois. The Fighting Illini should have hosted the Knights, however, due to an Illinois scheduling conflict the game was played at UCF. The Golden Knights capitalized with a 10 point victory. A big key to their victory was their defense holding the Illini to just 30.6% shooting and forcing 11 turnovers.
UCF has been a great rebounding team all season and ranked 5th in the nation collecting 41 boards per game. This will be a key stat they must win on Tuesday night in the Garden. UCF isn’t a high scoring team, averaging just 67 PPG but they are a very good defensive team and a very good rebounding team. The Knights are 5–1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games as an underdog and 14–6 ATS in their last 20 non-conference games.
I really like the way that UCF is playing right now and while they aren’t a high scoring team, TCU doesn’t play great defensively which makes them a good matchup for the Golden Knights. UCF has covered in all three of their NIT games and they have been undervalued by the books, shown once again listed as +2.5 dogs. Sure, TCU beat Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament but don’t underestimate the fact that the Jayhawks may have overlooked TCU. The Horned Frogs are 5–12 ATS in their last 17 games against a team with a winning record. I like UCF’s defense to make the Horned Frogs uncomfortable and the pressure will allow UCF to set the tempo. Defense and rebounding will lead the Golden Knights to the NIT Championship.
