ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – After defeating Mercer on opening night, the UCF men's basketball team returns to action Wednesday, playing host to Gardner-Webb at CFE Arena. The Knights (1-0) and the Bulldogs (0-2) are scheduled for a 7 p.m. tipoff on ESPN3.
On Friday, UCF got things started with a win over visiting Mercer thanks to a total team effort. Nine Knights scored and four were in double figures, led by newcomers Ceasar DeJesus and Dayon Griffin netting 16 points apiece.
UCF looks to continue its winning ways on Wednesday against a Gardner-Webb squad that has played two ranked opponents in its first two games of the 2017-18 season. The Bulldogs lost 77-45 at No. 12 Miami on Friday and fell 116-74 to No. 7 Florida on Monday.
The Knights look to continue the success it has against Gardner-Webb in the early 2000s, when UCF won five-of-six meetings from 2003 to 2005. The highlight of the span for the Knights was in 2005 when the Black and Gold defeated the Bulldogs 63-54 in the Atlantic Sun Championship Game.
Wednesday marks the second of three straight home games for the Knights. UCF will host William & Mary at 2 p.m. on Saturday, before continuing the 2017-18 campaign down the road at ESPN's Wide World of Sports for the AdvoCare Invitational over Thanksgiving.
GAME INFO
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 15
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN3/WatchESPN
Radio: FM 96.9/AM 740 The Game
Live Stats: http://ucfknights.co/MBBLiveStats1718
NOTES TO KNOW
- UCF owns a 5-1 advantage over Gardner-Webb in the all-time series between the two teams.
- The Knights have won 2-of-3 games played in Orlando.
- Newcomers Ceasar DeJesus and Dayon Griffin were the Knights' leading scorers in game one of the season.
- Last season, B.J. Taylor, Matt Williams and Tacko Fall led the Knights in scoring in 33 out of 36 games played.
- B.J. Taylor and Tacko Fall were honored by The American this fall, earning First and Second Team Preseason All-Conference honors, respectively.
- UCF led the nation in field goal percentage defense last year, holding opponents to just 36.5 percent shooting from the floor.
- All nine Knights who saw action against Mercer scored in the game.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2017-18 campaign are on sale now. Fans looking to purchase tickets can call (407) 823-1000 or visit UCFKnights.com to secure them today. For men's basketball tickets CLICK HERE.
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.