ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) –Two years ago, the UCF men’s basketball team welcomed 15th ranked Cincinnati to CFE Arena for the Knights’ final regular season home game and shocked the Bearcats with a 53-49 victory, leading to a storming of the court by Knight Nation.
Two years later, the Bearcats are again in town for UCF’s final regular season home game, and again Cincinnati is ranked in the Top 25. The perennial NCAA Tournament team is currently 19th in the USA Today Coaches Poll and 20th in the AP Top 25 Poll.
The difference, this time around, is that for the first time since 2011, UCF is also ranked. The Knights cracked the AP Top 25 Poll at 25th in the nation this week, which makes Thursday’s 7 p.m. tilt on ESPN2 presented by Universal Orlando Resort the first-ever Top 25 match-up in UCF’s program history.
GAME INFO
Date: Thursday, March 7
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN2
Radio: 96.9 FM/740 AM The Game
Live Stats: https://ucfknights.co/2EB5Zpk
The Knights (22-6, 12-4) are coming off of one of the biggest wins in program history, a 69-64 road victory at then No. 6/8 Houston on ESPN. UCF has now won three in a row and six of its last seven games to remain in third place in The American.
The Bearcats (25-4, 14-2), meanwhile, have won their last five games after losing at Houston, 65-58, back on Feb. 10. One of those five was a 60-55 home victory over UCF back on Feb. 21. Cincinnati is currently tied with the Cougars for first place in the league standings.
UCF’s win over Cincinnati two years ago was its only victory in the all-time series between the two teams. The Bearcats hold an 11-1 lead in the series, which includes a 5-1 advantage in games played in Orlando.
PROMOTIONS TO KNOW
- UCF students in attendance can get their spring break started early with a spring break 407 Tank
- It’s Azalea Park’s Orlando’s Hometown Team Game! Show your hometown pride and use promo code "Azalea19" for discounted tickets! -- https://ucfknights.co/2HhZMSb
- Tailgating will be on Memory Mall from 4-6:30 p.m. and a special guest will be on hand. Knugget will be at tailgating! Reserve your spot at https://ucfknights.co/2TlldJl
- Thursday is Senior Knight, so be sure to get there early to say thank you to seniors Anthony Catotti, Dayon Griffin, Chad Brown, Tacko Fall and BJ Taylor!
NOTES TO KNOW
- UCF is 6-45 all-time against ranked opponents, but have beaten a ranked opponent in each of the last three seasons under head coach Johnny Dawkins.
- The Knights have never defeated two ranked opponents in a single season.
- UCF’s home win over No. 15 Cincinnati two seasons ago was the program’s highest ranked home win.
- A win on Thursday would give UCF 23 regular season wins, its most in program history.
- The Knights have won on the last three Senior Day games.
- The Knights are a perfect 21-0 when leading with two minutes to go in the game.
- Tacko Fall has successfully won all 28 tipoffs this season and each of the last 32 dating back to last year.
- The Knights are 14-2 at home this season
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE GAME NOTES – UCF VS CINCINNATI
TICKETS FOR 2018-19
Fans excited for the final game of the 2018-19 UCF men's basketball season, March 7 vs. No. 19 Cincinnati, can purchase tickets today by calling (407) 823-1000 or online here: https://ucfknights.co/selloutCFE19