CHARLESTON, S.C. (UCFKnights.com) – Following a convincing home win over Nicholls in the first game of the Johnny Dawkins era, the UCF men's basketball team hits the road for the first time in 2016-17 to compete at the Gildan Charleston Classic.
The Knights (1-0) will open up against Mississippi State (1-0) on Thursday at 5 p.m. The matchup with the Bulldogs will air on ESPN2 with Doug Sherman and Miles Simon on the call from TD Arena in Charleston, S.C.
Tabbed "The South's Premiere Basketball Event," the tournament features Wake Forest, UTEP, Boise State, Western Michigan, Charleston and defending NCAA National Champion Villanova. Depending on Thursday's outcome, UCF will take on either Boise State or Charleston on Friday and then have a day off before final day competition on Sunday.
The Knights won 80-56 in the season opener on Monday, taking advantage of a 59-36 rebound differential against the Colonels. UCF was led by senior Matt Williams, who scored 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc. Five Knights scored in double figures, including sophomore Tacko Fall, who recorded his fourth career double-double (16 points, 16 rebounds).
Mississippi State comes into this weekend's tournament at 1-0 as well, having defeated Norfolk State 78-74 at home on Friday night. The Bulldogs are in their second season under head coach Ben Howland and return two starters from a squad that went 14-17 a year ago.
Every game of the tournament will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks and WatchESPN. Fans can also listen to the games on FM 96.9 The Game with Scott Adams on the call all weekend.
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