Knights Take Down Bulls for Eighth Straight Time

It was a chippy game in Tampa as the Knights and the Bulls battled it out in the War on I-4. It was more than a rivalry game as UCF is playing for an NCAA Tournament bid and the Bulls are also hoping for a postseason bid of some kind. There was no shortage of fireworks in this 75-63 victory by Johnny Dawkins and his Knights.

Four Knights were able to get into double-digit scoring. Tacko stayed hot with an 18 point performance after coming off of his 23 point double-double against SMU on Sunday. His offensive game has progressed a lot further than just dunking the ball. He’s able to use that 84” wingspan to get around defenders and lay the ball in. He’s really playing the best basketball of his career in the final part of this season which is when UCF needs him the most.

B.J. continued to do what he does best. He will drive the ball and draw the foul just as good as anyone in the country. He was at the free-throw line nine times and finished the game with 15 points. With Aubrey on the court with him, he doesn’t have to have the game on his shoulders and I think that’s helped him progress into a more complete player. Aubrey had himself a great night as well with 14 points and 7 rebounds. His quick release is NBA caliber and he put that on display tonight.

One of the most undervalued players on this team is junior guard Terrell Allen. He may not be the one scoring all the points but when he takes his shot, it’s normally a good one. His biggest value is as a defender and a facilitator on offense. He had seven assists tonight against South Florida and those are the kind of things that don’t get the glory they deserve.

With just three regular season games remaining, UCF sits at 21-6 (11-4). The win over South Florida is their first quadrant one win of the season which should give them a boost in the NET Rankings. Their three remaining games will all be quadrant one games with #8 Houston next on the schedule for this Sunday. If one thing is certain, it’s that the Knights hold the key to their own destiny.