Can UCF's defense contain K-State's scoring leader? The Knights seek their first road Big 12 win against a struggling Wildcats team.
Game time: 8 p.m.
Where: Bramlage Coliseum; Manhattan, Kan.
TV/Radio: Peacock; 96.9 FM The Game
Vitals: The UCF Knights (13-2, 2-1 Big 12) face the Kansas State Wildcats (9-7, 0-3 Big 12) in their home arena for their second road conference game. UCF is fresh off a game-winning floater from guard Themus Fulks to pull out a close victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats. Kansas State is on a three-game skid, with its most recent loss to Arizona State 87-84 last Sunday. The Wildcats have the sixth-leading scorer in the nation, P.J. Haggerty, who's averaging 22.9 points. UCF's defensive principles from Cincinnati's victory must carry over to contain Haggerty and earn its third conference win.
Betting odds, courtesy of USA Today
Spread: UCF +2.5, K-State -2.5
Moneyline: UCF +120, K-State -140
O/U: 171.5 total points
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KEY UCF PLAYERS:
G Riley Kugel: 14.5 PTS, 3.1 REBS and 2.7 ASTS on 42.2 FG%, 73 FT% and 38.9 3P%
G Themus Fulks: 13 PTS, 3.2 REBS and 7 ASTS on 50.3 FG%, 75.9 FT% and 47.6 3P%
F Jordan Burks: 12.6 PTS and 4.3 REBS on 45.6 FG%, 81.3 FT% and 37.7 3P%
F Jamichael Stillwell: 12.3 PTS, 8.1 REBS and 1.7 ASTS on 54.2 FG%, 71.2 FT% and 31.6 3P%
F Devan Cambridge: 6.1 PTS, 4.6 REBS and 1.1 ASTS on 47.5 FG%, 74.3 FT% and 28 3P%
KEY UCF STATS:
SCORING OFFENSE: 86 POINTS/GAME (7th in Big 12)
- 48.8 FG% (6th in Big 12)
- 73.1 FT% (9th in Big 12)
- 37.5 3P% (3rd in Big 12)
- 16.9 ASTS (6th in Big 12)
- 13.7 OREBS (4th in Big 12)
SCORING DEFENSE: 75.5 POINTS/GAME (11th in Big 12)
- 43.1 FG% (11th in Big 12)
- 75.9 FT% (15th in Big 12)
- 33.3 3P% (12th in Big 12)
- 12.9 ASTS (7th in Big 12)
- 25.9 DREBS (8th in Big 12)
QUOTE: "Haven't seen uh Kansas State play yet," coach Johnny Dawkins said. "You know me, I'm always just one game at a time. So, if one of our opponents hadn't played him, I really don't have a chance to take a look at them, but I'm looking forward to scouting them. I know that — again, [they are] terrific, well coached, [have] a lot of talent and it's going to be another great environment. So, we have to make sure we prepare that way. I'm looking forward to seeing them as I mentioned. I'll start watching them as soon as possible."
KNIGHTS AIM TO EARN FIRST ROAD CONFERENCE WIN
UCF has won its first two home conference games, but is winless on the road — albeit only one game. Oklahoma State was the first conference road loss for Dawkins and his squad.
Kansas State has struggled this season, similar to Cincinnati, but Haggerty leads his team in points (22.9), assists (4.6) and field goal percentage (49.2%). The 6-foot-4 guard is one of the more dynamic players the Knights will face throughout the second half of the season.
A road victory for UCF would move its conference record to 3-1 and drop Kansas State to 0-4. Continuously improving in conference play can strengthen the team's chances of earning a bid to the NCAA tournament.