March 15, 2011
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - On Wednesday, the UCF men's basketball team will bring some March Madness to Orlando when the Knights host St. Bonaventure in the first round of the 2011 CBI presented by Zebra Pen. Tipoff for the postseason game at the UCF Arena is 8 p.m.
Head coach Donnie Jones' Knights have enjoyed great fan support this season as the UCF Arena has developed into one of the top environments in college basketball. Jones and his players, especially junior guard A.J. Rompza, are hoping for a large crowd Wednesday.
"We need them here," Rompza said of UCF's fans. "Obviously they know how important they are for us and how much they help us during the game, and it would be great to have a nice crowd. We know it's short timing, but everybody helps. Every single person that comes out, we appreciate it."
Here are a few reasons why UCF fans should pack the house for Wednesday's game:
? UCF has earned its first at-large invitation to the postseason at the Division I level, and the Knights have not hosted a postseason game since 1981.
? The Knights, who have already defeated No. 16 Florida and Miami, entered the national rankings for the first time in school history and knocked off Conference USA powers UTEP and Southern Miss, can add another accomplishment to their impressive season. UCF is seeking its 20th victory, and a win would give the Knights only their sixth 20-victory campaign in 26 seasons at the D-I level.
? The contest will be televised nationally on HDNet, and fans can show the country that Florida is more than just a football-crazed state.
? Marcus Jordan and Keith Clanton both earned All-C-USA honors last week, and the sophomores will get their first, but most likely not their last, taste of the postseason.
? The CBI can give the Knights great momentum for the 2011-12 campaign. Six teams who played in the event last year received spots in this season's NCAA Tournament.
Tickets for Wednesday's postseason game are available at Ticketmaster.com and UCFAthletics.com. On Wednesday, the UCF Arena box office will be open before the game. UCF season ticket holders looking to reserve their seats for the postseason can call the UCF Athletics ticket office at (407) 823-1000.