ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) –One of the most challenging tests of the regular season is on tap for the UCF men’s basketball team on Thursday, as No. 12 Houston travels to Orlando for a matchup between two of the top teams in the American Athletic Conference. The game is presented by Boeing.
GAME INFO
Date: Thursday, Feb. 7
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: 96.9 FM/740 AM The Game
Live Stats: https://ucfknights.co/2TDWyvO
The Knights (16-4, 6-2) are currently in third in the conference standings, trailing the Cougars (21-1, 8-1) and Cincinnati by just one game in the loss column. UCF came into 2018-19 as the favorite in The American, but Houston has proven to be the team to beat with just one loss on the season.
In non-conference play the Coogs defeated LSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Saint Louis and Utah State for a perfect run before starting up league play. Houston’s only slip-up was on the road at Temple, falling 73-69.
The Knights have lost just two league game, both of which have come on the road. UCF has been stellar at home, going 11-1 and winning each of its last 10 game at CFE Arena, the team’s longest home win streak since winning 16 in a row between the 2010-11 and 2011-12 campaigns.
Houston ranks at No. 12 in both the AP Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches Poll and has an NCAA NET ranking of seven. The Cougars are led by Corey Davis Jr. and Armoni Brooks, who average 15.0 and 14.3 points, respectively, and have combined for 136 three-pointers on the year.
NOTES TO KNOW
- The Knights 5-44 all-time against ranked opponents, with two of the five coming in the last two seasons under head coach Johnny Dawkins.
- The highest ranked team UCF has defeated at home was No. 15 Cincinnati in 2016-17.
- Houston holds a 14-10 all-time advantage over UCF, but the Knights are 6-5 against the Cougars in games played in Orlando.
- UCF’s season ended in 2017-18 when Houston defeated the Knights in the Quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament.
- A win on Thursday would make UCF 7-2 in league play, its best start ever in AAC action.
- The Knights are ranked 15th in the nation in least turnovers (233) and at 11.6 per game, are on pace to set a new program record (13.0).
- Tacko Fall has successfully won all 20 tipoffs this season and each of the last 24 dating back to last year.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE GAME NOTES – UCF VS. HOUSTON
PROMOTIONS TO KNOW
- Thursday’s matchup between UCF and Houston is presented by Boeing.
- Bithlo and Chuluota! Show your hometown pride as part of Thursday’s Orlando’s Hometown Team Game for Bithlo and Chuluota. Use promo code "Bithlo19" for discounted tickets! https://ucfknights.co/19BithloChuluota
- Show out for Orlando with a new 407 t-shirt. T-shirts will be given away to students at the game.
- Fans looking to purchase the shirt, will have the opportunity to purchase a 407 t-shirt ticket pack that includes two tickets and two t-shirts for $35 (sizing and quantities limited): https://ucfknights.co/2SfNxwe
TICKETS FOR 2018-19
Fans excited for the 2018-19 UCF men's basketball season can purchase tickets today by calling (407) 823-1000 or online here: https://ucfknights.co/mbb1819tix.