Can UCF silence Arizona's freshman stars and control the boards? Two crucial keys could unlock a historic upset against the undefeated Wildcats.
This Saturday, UCF (14-2, 3-1 Big 12) will host No. 1 Arizona (17-0, 4-0 Big 12) with a chance to knock off the top-ranked team in the country for the first time in program history.
Arizona has been a powerhouse, beating five non-conference ranked opponents earlier this season before beginning Big 12 play with four emphatic victories - three by double-digits.
The Wildcats are tied for the best record in Quad 1 play, sitting at 6-0 against top-tier competition.
Similar to UCF, Arizona attacks opposing teams with a balanced scoring effort. Five Wildcats average double-digits, while two additional players score more than nine.
Key 1 - Contain the Freshman Duo
Although Arizona spreads the wealth offensively, the Wildcats' two leading scorers are the freshman duo of Koa Peat and Brayden Burries. Both are currently projected to be first round draft picks, according to CBS Sports.
However, they do their damage in very different ways.
Peat is an offensive force, using his six foot eight, 235 pound frame to dominate on the glass and impose his will on the inside. Peat, who won Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Arizona in three consecutive years, has given his hometown state 15.3 points per game while adding six rebounds and shooting over 56% from the field.
UCF will need to keep Peat out of the paint and force him to make high catches in the post. I expect senior forward Jamichael Stillwell to get the matchup.
Burries, on the other hand, likes to do his work from the perimeter. He is a streaky shooter that when hot, can take over a game. Earlier this season, against No. 12 Alabama, Burries made five threes and scored a game-high 28 points to lead Arizona to a blowout win. He matched that total earlier this month against Kansas State.
Thankfully for UCF, Burries has scored just six points in each of his last two games. Whichever guard gets Burries as their matchup will need to chase him off the three-point line and force him to beat them off the dribble.
Key 2 - Keep Arizona Off the Glass/Limit Second Chance Opportunities
Arizona is a juggernaut on the glass, leading the Big 12 in rebounding with over 43 boards per game. The Wildcats have great size, often playing lineups with at least two players six foot eight or taller - sometimes three.
Peat, along with junior 7-footer Motiejus Krivas and potential sixth man of the year Tobe Awaka, are dominant in the paint, averaging nearly 24 rebounds per game amongst them.
Earlier this season, in a statement win over No. 3 UConn, Arizona won the rebounding battle 43-23. 13 of the rebounds were offensive, which Arizona turned into 16 second-chance points.
The Knights will rely on sophomore center John Bol and Stillwell to find bodies to hit on rebounds and secure possessions for UCF. All five UCF players will need to stay disciplined on their matchups to prevent second-chance opportunities for an uber- efficient Wildcats offense.
The Knights take on No. 1 Arizona Saturday evening at 4:00 p.m.