Previewing the Opponent: University of Central Florida

UCF comes into this game fresh off their first American conference win, a 78-76 win over Temple, and have won 6 of 7, the one loss being a 90-65 beatdown against the defending champions, the Louisville Cardinals.  While their conference record stands at .500 (1-1), their overall record is 9-4, with their best win being a 63-58 win against a Miami team that just beat the most inconsistent (but still very talented) team in America, North Carolina.

The University of Central Florida Knights comes into this game ranked 50^th in the nation in points per game with 78.8, scoring over 80 points in 5 different games (all wins).  While the Knights like to push the tempo and put up points, their real advantage against UConn is their rebounding.  They rank 18^th overall in rebounds per game with 40.9, compared to UConn’s 34.9.  Not only are they a top 20 team in total rebounding, but they rank 20^th overall in offensive rebounds per game with 14.2, so expect them to crash 

the boards on every shot they put up, and expect for multiple shots per possession.

Now, to the players:  UCF has 4 different players who average in double figures, which is an impressive feat to accomplish, but makes sense with their high point totals.

Isaiah Sykes: Senior Guard.  “The walking triple double.”  Recorded 2 triple-doubles last year, making him 1 of 2 active players who have recording multiple triple-doubles (Shabazz Napier being the other player).  Coming off an impressive game in win over Temple with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists.  Averaging 15.0 PPG, 6.5 RBG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 SPG.  Easily the player who is going to provide the most matchup problems for UConn.

Calvin Newell: Senior Guard.  Second on the team in points per game, averaging 13.7.  Leads team with 3.3 assists per game.  Also leads team with an impressive 2.2 steals per game, which ranks 33^rd in the nation among steals per game.

Tristan Spurlock: Senior Forward.  Third on the team in points per game, averaging 12.4.  Tied with Sykes for rebounds per game, with 6.5.  Also, one of the team’s best rim protectors, averaging 0.8 blocks per game.

Kasey Wilson: Junior Forward.  The fourth player for the Knights who averages in double figures with 11.5 PPG.  Also, one of their key rebounders, averaging 5.8 a game.

Eugene McCrory: Junior Forward.  Transfer from College of Central Florida, where he led them to the NJCAA National Championship.  Finally got his first start in win against Temple, where he showed off the potential he has for this team by recording his first double-double scoring 18 points and pulling in 10 rebounds, both season highs.

While UCF does score the basketball and can rebound well, they, like most teams, have an Achilles heel.  Free throw shooting.  When I came across this stat, I really couldn’t believe it.  They shoot a less than stellar 59.2% from the line which ranks 346 out of 351 division 1 teams.  That is terrible.  If this game turns into a free throw shooting contest, which hopefully it shouldn’t, then UCF will have a very very difficult time winning this game.

UCF is coached by Donnie Jones (not to be confused with the current Philadelphia Eagles Punter), who is in his 4^th year with the team.  He is accumulated a 42-34 record while being coach, including back-to-back 20-win seasons in the last two years, going 22-11 and 20-11.  Before UCF, Jones coached Marshall University for 3 years after he was an assistant for Billy Donovan at Florida, where he was a part of the 2006 and 2007 national championship teams.