The Georgia Southern Eagles will play the UCF Knights in a non-conference game at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, FL. This game is set for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET and will be available on ESPN+. Georgia Southern, representing the Sun Belt Conference, comes into this game with a 1-2 record.
UCF is a part of the Big 12 and has a strong start to their season, holding a 3-0 record. They have shown consistent performance at home with victories over South Alabama, Yale, and Florida Gulf Coast. Dior Johnson has been a key player for the Knights, leading with significant contributions in points and assists.
Georgia Southern's recent games have shown mixed results with a win over Ball State but losses to Mercer and Georgia Tech. Players like Dallas Gardner and Truman Claytor IV have been notable, delivering high-scoring performances. The Eagles are the underdogs in this matchup with a spread of +22.5.
UCF vs Georgia Southern At a Glance
- Matchup: Georgia Southern Eagles vs UCF Knights
- Venue: Addition Financial Arena, Orlando FL
- Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Game Odds: UCF favored by -22.5 points
- Records: Georgia Southern 1-2, UCF 3-0
UCF Knights: Home Team Preview for Upcoming Game
Offensive Performance
The UCF Knights have averaged 86.3 points per game this season. Their field goal percentage sits at 48.1%, placing them mid-pack. They attempt over 26 three-pointers per game, making 39.2% of them.
The team has been effective from the free-throw line, making 18 free throws per game. However, their free throw percentage is 70.1%. This is an area where they can improve to gain an edge.
Defensive Capabilities
Defensively, the Knights allow an average of 69 points per game. They rank high in turnovers per game with a low of just 7. This efficiency could prove vital in close games.
The team averages 6.7 steals per game, which ranks them 218th nationally. Their block numbers are also on the lower end, with 3.7 blocks per game.
Key Players
Dior Johnson leads the team with 31 points per game. His shooting accuracy stands out with a 65.9% field goal percentage. This efficiency can be a game-changer.
Arturo Dean contributes over 10 points and 3 assists per game. He also provides defensive support with 2.3 steals per game. These stats highlight his all-around ability on the court.
Recent Game Performances
In the recent game against South Alabama, Dior Johnson scored 24 points. Carmelo Pacheco also added 24 points, contributing to the team's win. The Knights secured a victory with a final score of 76-69.
Against Yale, Dior Johnson led with 28 points, helping the team secure an 87-75 win. The Knights have started strong this season, maintaining a perfect record so far.
Injury Concerns
Riley Kugel is listed as questionable due to an undisclosed injury. His availability could impact the team's rotation. Tanner Jones remains out, which limits their depth.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
Can the Georgia Southern Eagles Take Flight This Season?
Offensive Overview
The Eagles score an average of 80.3 points each game, ranking them in the middle nationally. They average 75.6 possessions each game, which is relatively high. Their shooting, however, is a bit of a challenge with a 38.9% field goal percentage.
From beyond the arc, Georgia Southern makes around 9.7 threes every game. They attempt 29.3 three-pointers on average, showing a preference for shooting from deep. Their three-point percentage stands at 33.0%, which shows room for improvement.
Defensive Efforts
On defense, the Eagles record 7.3 steals each game, which ranks them towards the lower end nationally. They block an average of 4.3 shots per game. However, they commit a high number of fouls, with 23.0 fouls each game.
Turnover management is another area for the Eagles to work on. They turn the ball over 12.7 times each game. This aspect of their game could affect close contests.
Key Players to Watch
Eltramon Smith stands out on the court, scoring 19.7 points each game with a 50.0% field goal rate. He also contributes 6.3 rebounds per game. Smith's efficiency and scoring ability make him a key player.
Dallas Gardner, averaging 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds each game, provides solid performances. Gardner's double-digit rebound average is crucial for second-chance opportunities. His contributions extend beyond scoring with 3.0 assists per game.
Recent Performances
In their recent game against Mercer, the Eagles lost by six points despite scoring 91. Dallas Gardner led with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Truman Claytor IV also added 19 points in this outing.
Against Georgia Tech, Eltramon Smith recorded 20 points and 6 rebounds. The Eagles scored 83 but fell short by 12 points. Their shooting struggles were apparent with a 38.4% field goal percentage.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
Overall, the Eagles have shown potential in their games. Their ability to score and rebound keeps them competitive. Improvements in shooting and defense could lead to more consistent results.
UCF vs Georgia Southern Prediction: Georgia Southern +22.5
UCF enters this game with a strong 3-0 record, but their against-the-spread performance is not as impressive, sitting at 1-2. Georgia Southern, on the other hand, has performed well against the spread with a 2-1 record. The Eagles have covered as underdogs twice this season, making them a viable pick to cover the large spread.
Georgia Southern's offensive stats show they can put points on the board, averaging over 80 points per game. Despite their struggles with field goal percentages, their high number of free throw attempts and makes keep them in games. This should help them keep the game within the spread.
UCF's defense allows a manageable amount of points per game, but their offensive pace is slower. This plays into Georgia Southern's favor as they will have more opportunities to score. The Knights' fewer possessions per game could prevent them from pulling far ahead.
The home advantage for UCF at Addition Financial Arena is significant. However, Georgia Southern's ability to cover spreads on the road makes them the better pick against the spread. The Eagles should manage to keep the game closer than the 22.5-point spread.
- UCF vs Georgia Southern Prediction: Georgia Southern +22.5
- UCF vs Georgia Southern Score: UCF 85 - Georgia Southern 70
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