Houston's stifling defense and a dominant freshman duo crushed UCF, limiting their scoring and controlling the boards in a decisive victory.
The UCF Knights (17-5, 6-4 Big 12) couldn't handle the star power of guard Kingston Flemings and the intense, physical defense of the No. 8 Houston Cougars (20-2, 8-1 Big 12) in their 79-55 defeat Wednesday night.
Once the Cougars created a comfortable lead after a 12-0 run in six minutes, they did not look back. The trajectory of the game was similar to UCF's loss to then-No. 9 Iowa State two weeks ago.
The Knights will have three days of rest before another road game against the Cincinnati Bearcats (11-11, 3-6 Big 12). Here are some takeaways from Wednesday night's matchup.
HOUSTON'S PHYSICAL DEFENSE STIFLES UCF
The Cougars are one of the best defensive teams in the Big 12, allowing only 61.7 points and generating 8.6 steals per contest. They forced UCF to turn the ball over six times in the first 12 minutes and 17 seconds.
"They defend very well, and they rebound very well," coach Johnny Dawkins said. "I think everything that they do, playing-wise, starts with the ability to defend and rebound the basketball on both ends. I don't think he's [Kelvin Sampson] changed that really at all. I think the personnel has changed. Like I said, you got a well-coached team. You got a team that's going to play really hard, and they're really talented."ohn
UCF was held to 19 points in the first half, a season-low for the team. Houston played great defense, contested shots and sped up the Knights all game.
COUGARS FRESHMAN DUO COMBINE FOR 32 POINTS
Flemings scored 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting with six assists, a block and two steals. Forward Chris Cenac Jr. finished with 14 points on 7-for-13 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds.
"You know, I was amazed," Dawkins said. They didn't have two regular freshmen, but I was amazed. I think both of those guys would be high first-round picks, probably just based on what I saw and how poised they played for young players. They're very, very talented."
The freshman duo dominated in the paint — Flemings with his quick first step against slow defenders and Cenac Jr.'s easy buckets from his teammate's dribble penetration.
HOUSTON DOMINATES THE REBOUNDING BATTLE
Rebounding is one of the Knights' strengths, as they impose their physicality on opposing teams, but it was the opposite against Houston. The Cougars controlled the glass, grabbing 40 rebounds to UCF's 29.
"I thought they just out-rebounded us," Dawkins said. "They're very good on the boards also. They do a very good job of rebounding the basketball. I knew it was going to be a competitive battle, and they out-rebounded us tonight, but like I said, I thought our guys battled, but I give them credit."
The physicality rattled the Knights, and there was no opportunity to claw back into the game. Houston's 29 defensive rebounds severely limited UCF's chances at pulling off a second-straight upset.
UCF TRAVELS TO CINCINNATI
Dawkins and his squad will travel to the Fifth Third Arena for their second matchup against conference rival Cincinnati. UCF won the first matchup in nail-biting fashion, 73-72.
The Bearcats, who have a .500 record, continue to struggle in conference play. The Knights aim to bounce back after losing by 24 and earn their 18th win.
Tipoff for Sunday's game starts at 2 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.