Feb. 11, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - In UCF's last five games, senior guard Mike O'Donnell (Largo, Fla./Largo) and junior guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla./Tavares) both averaged over 36 minutes per contest. For that reason, the team's bye week is coming at the right time.
For the second time this season, UCF does not have a mid-week game scheduled. The squad also did not play on Jan. 16.
Because the college basketball season started in early November, each Conference USA team received two byes in league play. A year ago, there were no byes for C-USA teams.
Last Saturday, UCF played at No. 1 Memphis. O'Donnell logged 36 minutes against the top team in the nation.
The Knights will use this week to prepare for their Saturday contest at Rice and to improve as a team.
"We have a week off... to give our bodies a little rest and our minds a little rest. We have had a tough season mentally. We have played a lot of good teams and fought hard," UCF head coach Kirk Speraw said. "Hopefully, we can refresh ourselves and get focused in on the last part of the season, which is the most important part."
UCF has seven regular-season games remaining in 2007-08, with four coming on the road.
Tip-off for the game at Rice on Saturday is set for 3 p.m. EST.
The team's next home game is Feb. 20 against East Carolina at the new UCF Arena. For ticket information, call 407-UCF-1000.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Notes: Due to renovations at Autry Court, Rice's home facility, the Owls are playing their games at several facilities this season. They will host the Knights at Reliant Arena in Houston. The arena is located next to Reliant Stadium and the AstroDome... On the season, O'Donnell ranks second in C-USA play in minutes per game (34.7).