UCF hopes to contain high-octane Florida Atlantic offense

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th November, 24:47 2024

NCAA Basketball: Big 12 Conference Tournament Second Round - UCF vs BYU

Mar 13, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; UCF Knights coach Johnny Dawkins on the sidelines during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

UCF looks to continue its winning ways on Tuesday night when it hosts in-state foe Florida Atlantic in a matchup of unbeatens in Orlando.

The Knights (2-0) began the season with consecutive home wins, upsetting then-No. 13 Texas A&M 64-61 on Nov. 4 before rallying to beat an experienced Purdue Fort Wayne team 75-68 on Friday to give coach Johnny Dawkins his 150th career win at UCF.

Florida Atlantic (2-0) has started quickly under first-year coach John Jakus, nearly hitting the century mark in each of its first two games. After a season-opening 97-64 win over Indiana State on Nov. 4, the Owls blasted NAIA foe Coastal Georgia 99-49 on Friday.

With Florida Atlantic coming to town, Dawkins is trying to focus on building team chemistry since 11 newcomers are on the UCF roster this season.

Among the fresh faces is former UTSA guard Jordan Ivy-Curry, who went for 18 points against Purdue Fort Wayne. George Mason transfer Keyshawn Hall had 14 points and 12 boards in the victory, while true freshman Moustapha Thiam chipped in 13 points and six rebounds.

"I'm still learning about these guys. This is our second game -- including exhibition games, this is our fourth game," Dawkins said following the meeting with Purdue Fort Wayne. "When you have that many new players, I'm still learning about what they're like in games."

Jakus can relate, as the Owls lost 10 players from last season's 25-win team. Jackson State transfer Ken Evans Jr. and Louisville transfer Kaleb Glenn scored 18 points apiece against Coastal Georgia.

Florida Atlantic has outrebounded opponents 98-62 through its first two games, but the Owls realize that the Knights pose quite the challenge on the glass.

"UCF is a very big team. They got some big guards, so one through five has to hit (the boards)," Florida Atlantic forward Tre Carroll said.

The Knights lead the all-time series between the teams 22-10. However, Florida Atlantic has taken five of its past seven games against UCF.

--Field Level Media

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