ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF men's basketball team has started the second season under head coach Johnny Dawkins with three straight wins and looks to continue that success this weekend at the AdvoCare Invitational.
The Knights (3-0) will travel down the road to Walt Disney World and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to play three games against what could prove to be very tough competition. UCF opens up with Nebraska (3-1) on Thanksgiving at 6 p.m.
On Friday, the Knights will take on either No. 20 West Virginia or Marist. After a day off from competition, the AdvoCare Invitational will conclude on Sunday. UCF will face either Missouri, Oregon State, St. John's or Long Beach State.
This marks the second time the Knights have played in what is now known as the AdvoCare Invitational. During the 2007-08 season UCF played in the then named Old Spice Classic, finishing 1-2 with a win over Penn State.
Last year's squad earned much respect in an early season tournament, traveling to Charleston, S.C. and advancing to the championship game of the Gildan Charleston Classic. The Knights defeated Mississippi State and Charleston, before falling to No. 3 Villanova 67-57.
This season, the Knights have won their first three games despite adverse situations. Aubrey Dawkins was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury, B.J. Taylor has missed all but one half of play with a broken foot, and Tacko Fall missed the first games with a hip injury.
On Thursday, UCF aims to start 4-0, something the team was unable to do last season. In fact, it would be the first 4-0 start since the 2010-11 campaign.
GAME INFO
Date: Thursday, Nov. 23
Time: 6 p.m.
TV: ESPN3/WatchESPN
Radio: 96.9 FM/740 AM The Game
NOTES TO KNOW
- UCF and Nebraska have never played in men's basketball.
- The Knights went 1-2 last time they played in the AdvoCare Invitational, defeating Penn State, while losing to Villanova and Kansas State.
- UCF has started 4-0 nine times in the history of the program, but not since 2010-11.
- Ceasar DeJesus was named The American Rookie of the Week on Monday.
- Six Knights are averaging double figures in scoring.
- A.J. Davis leads The American and is 11th in the nation with 12.0 rebounds per game.
If the Knights win on Thursday, Friday's game will be at 5 p.m. on ESPN2 against the winner of West Virginia or Marist. If UCF loses, the Knights will play at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
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.
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