Knights chase eighth straight win against struggling FGCU. Catch all the action live on ESPN+ for this pivotal in-state showdown.
The Knights look to extend their winning streak to eight as they welcome in-state foe Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU).
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Date: Saturday, Dec. 20
Location: Addition Financial Arena — Orlando, Florida
Betting Odds: UCF -16.5, O/U 161.5
UCF (9-1) continues to ride its defensive tenacity and timely shot-making on this eight game win streak. FGCU (5-6) has lost four in a row after a promising start to the season.
The Eagles are coming off of a 16-point loss to New Mexico State after three losing efforts against Florida International, Florida Atlantic and a heartbreaking overtime loss to Kennesaw State. FGCU scored a season-low 59 points against new Mexico State.
UCF is coming off another balanced scoring effort which saw four Knights in double-digits. UCF forced Mercer into a season-high 17 turnovers, while dominating the offensive glass with 17 offensive rebounds.
FGCU runs its offense through senior forward J.R. Konieczny. The 6'7 wing is averaging nearly 16 points per game while adding seven rebounds. UCF's big men will need to be active early on defense to keep Konieczny catching the ball away from the paint. Junior guard Rahmir Barno is the initiator for the Eagles, averaging 5.4 assists per contest with only 2.5 turnovers and adding 14.2 points per game.
Prediction: UCF rides its hot shooting in the second half of last game, coming out firing against a reeling FGCU squad. UCF wins 96-68.
Projected Starters
UCF
G Themus Fulks: 11.5 PTS, 3.5 REBS 6.9 ASTS
G Riley Kugel: 14.6 PTS 2.7 REB 2.8 AST
F Jordan Burks: 12.8 PTS 4.7 REB 0.6 AST
F Jamichael Stillwell: 12.2 PTS 8.7 REB 1.9 AST
C John Bol: 6.3 PTS 3.7 REB 0.3 AST
FGCU
G Rahmir Barno 14.2 PTS, 2.7 REB, 5.4 AST
G Jordan Ellerbee 14.8 PTS, 4.5 REB, 2.0 AST
F Michael Duax 7.8 PTS, 4.8 REB, 1.5 AST
F Rory Stewart 7.4 PTS, 2.6 REB, 0.7 AST
F J.R. Konieczny 15.9 PTS, 7.0 REB, 2.0 AST
Team Stats
UCF
Scoring Offense: 87.3 Points/Game (Sixth in Big 12)
Scoring Defense: 73.9 Points/Game (Tied for Ninth in Big 12)
3-Point Shooting: 38.1% (Tied for Fifth in Big 12)
Opponent 3-Point Shooting: 31.1% (Tied for Fourth in Big 12)
Average Margin of Victory/Defeat: +13.3 (Sixth in Big 12)
FGCU
Scoring Offense: 83.4 Points/Game (Second in ASUN)
Scoring Defense: 81.9 Points/Game (Tenth in ASUN)
3-Point Shooting: 32.3% (Tenth in ASUN)
Opponent 3-Point Shooting: 32.5% (Fourth in ASUN)
Average Margin of Victory/Defeat: +1.4 (Sixth in ASUN)