clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

UCF Hoops Comes Up Aces at Evansville

Knights are 4-0 on the season

By Eric Lopez
NCAA Basketball: Central Florida at Miami-Florida
Darin Green Jr. (R), not pictured playing vs. Evansville
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

For the second time in the Johnny Dawkins era, the UCF Knights are 4-0 on the season, as they went up to Evansville and took care of the Purple Aces 75-59 on Saturday.

Here are my three big takeaways from UCF’s win:

1. Darin Green Jr. is a consistent scorer

Splash!
Darin Green Has been the go to scorer for Knights early in the season
Derek Warden

Darin Green has scored in double figures in all four games, and led the team in scoring for the second time this season with 17 points on 6/13 from the field and 3/6 from the three-point line.

For the season, Green is averaging 16 points per game on 49% shooting from the field and is 9/19 from the three-point line. In comparison, Green averaged 10 points per game last season, shooting 44% from the field and 41% from three.

It is early, but Green is the most improved player on the Knights and has worked himself into being one of top go-to guys on offense that UCF can rely on.

2. Ty Freeman brings energy off the bench

Tyem Freeman Has made an impact off the bench
Derek Warden

One of the pleasant surprises early this season is Tyem Freeman, who once again made an impact on the game. Freeman scored 7 of his 11 points in the first half on Saturday, leading UCF to a 39-30 lead at the half.

Freeman continues to be an impact player off the bench as the Knights outscored the Purple Aces 28-15 in bench scoring.

3. Isaiah Adams is close to finding his groove

Isaiah Adams was very efficient on Saturday’s win at Evansville. A good sign his offense is coming
Derek Warden

Adams had his best game of the young season on Saturday, scoring 8 points on 3/5 from the floor, and led the team with six rebounds. It is a good bounce-back game for Adams, who did not score on 0/6 from the field in Tuesday’s win over Jacksonville.

Coming into the game, Adams was shooting just 26% from the field, but he looked more in rhythm on Saturday, having his best shooting game of the season. More importantly, Adams was active on the boards, with a season-high six rebounds, and continues to play strong defense, using his length to his favor.

It’s not a question of if but when the offense comes for Adams, and when it does, it will put UCF’s offense on a different level. Saturday was a good sign that it’s coming.

The Knights return home to host Oklahoma on Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

More From Black & Gold Banneret