The West Virginia Mountaineers and UCF Knights are set to face off this Saturday, February 14, 2026, in a high-stakes Big 12 matchup that carries significant implications for both programs. As the regular season enters its critical final stretch, both teams find themselves jockeying for position in a crowded conference landscape.
Game Details and Betting Odds
The matchup is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Orlando. According to the latest lines from FanDuel and other major sportsbooks, the UCF Knights are currently 3.5-point favorites playing at home. The over/under for total points is set at 139.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive, mid-tempo contest. West Virginia enters as a +168 underdog on the moneyline.
The Stakes: NCAA Tournament Bubble Implications
Both teams currently sit with identical 6-5 records in Big 12 play, placing them in a tie for a crucial upper-tier spot in the standings alongside BYU. For West Virginia (15-9 overall), this road trip represents a vital opportunity to bolster their “Quad 1” resume. The Mountaineers are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 70-63 home loss to Texas Tech last Sunday.
UCF (17-6 overall) is also seeking redemption after a tough 92-72 loss at Cincinnati. For the Knights, a victory today is essential to solidify their case for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, as they look to avoid a three-game skid during the most important month of the season.
Historical Context: Football and Basketball Series
While the basketball rivalry is heating up, the two schools recently made headlines on the gridiron. On October 18, 2025, UCF secured a dominant 45-13 victory over West Virginia, marking the first time the Knights had ever defeated the Mountaineers in football. Prior to that game, West Virginia had held a perfect 4-0 all-time record in the series dating back to 2003.
Key Matchup Factors
- Time Off: Both teams are coming off midweek byes. West Virginia head coach Darian DeVries (and staff) have emphasized using the extra rest to fix defensive rotations that struggled in their previous outing.
- Home Court Advantage: UCF has been formidable in Orlando this season, and the “Bounce House” atmosphere is expected to be a factor in a game with such a slim point spread.
- Post Play: The battle in the paint will be decisive, as both teams rank in the top half of the Big 12 in rebounding margin.
Saturday’s tip-off is expected to be one of the most-watched Big 12 games of the weekend, as the winner will take a significant step toward securing a top-half seed for the upcoming conference tournament in Kansas City.