Knights seek sweep! Discover how UCF can conquer Cincinnati by limiting turnovers, disrupting Thiam, and unleashing their potent three-point attack.
UCF (17-5, 6-4 Big 12) and Cincinnati (11-12, 3-7) have carried a rivalry through to conferences, migrating to the Big 12 together in 2023 after years of heated battles in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Sunday will mark the two teams' second match-up of the season, this time in the Bearcats' gym.
The first meeting was a nail-biter, ending in a game-winning floater from fifth-year senior point guard Themus Fulks. Fulks also had a game-high 12 assists.
Senior guard Riley Kugel had an impressive outing, scoring 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
However, the game was too close for comfort, as both teams scored 40 points in the second half after a slight 33-32 UCF halftime lead.
Here are three things for the Knights to focus on to ensure a comfortable season-sweep of Cincinnati:
1) Limit Live-Ball Turnovers
- When the Knights have struggled on offense this season, it has usually been because of turnovers. The last time these two squads faced off, UCF had fourteen turnovers, doubling up the Bearcats' seven.
But, nine of the fourteen giveaways were live-ball turnovers, turning into fast-break opportunities for Cincinnati. The Bearcats converted, scoring 17 points off turnovers.
The Bearcats are in the top-four within the Big 12 in opponent points per game, giving up only 67 points per game.
However, they can be susceptible to quick ball movement and decisive drive-and-kicks, as they like to pack the paint and prevent straight-line drives.
2) Make Moustapha Thiam Catch it High
- Former UCF 5-star recruit Moustapha Thiam had a strong return to Addition Financial Arena in mid-January, scoring a game-high 24 points and dominating in the low and mid-post.
The Knights will need to make Thiam catch the ball as high as possible, keeping the 7-footer on the perimeter and off the block. Thiam likes to shoot short mid-range and touch shot type-attempts, so keeping him off his spots is crucial.
3) Attack From Deep
- The Knights have lived and died by the 3-point shot this season, with their efficiency from deep largely affecting the overall success of the team.
UCF has shown the ability to sink the 3-ball, shooting 37.8% from behind the stripe, good for third in the conference. However, at times, the Knights have fallen in love with threes and forgone attacking the rim.
Last time out against Cincinnati, UCF shot high-percentage looks from 3-point range, converting on 43% (6-14) of its attempts.
UCF and Cincinnati tip off Sunday at 2:00 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.