UCF’s conference play woes continued on Thursday night with a 69-51 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Buckeye State, keeping them in the cellar of the American Athletic Conference.
Cincinnati (17-2, 6-0), who has yet to lose in the conference, took a decisive lead midway through the first half and never looked back on their way to a conference-leading sixth win. A tremendous effort by Bearcats’ Guard Sean Kilpatrick culminated in 19 points for the senior.
UCF’s meager attack was led by Calvin Newell and Staphon Blair, who combined for a total of 23 points and 3 rebounds. From the field the Knights sank only 38% of their shots, and only a dismal 27.8% on 3 point attempts.
It is the second game in a row that UCF was within striking range at halftime, this time only trailing 33-27. However, a lack of production in the second half doomed the Knights again, as they saw the lead extend to an 18 point differential at the end of the game.
There was almost zero production of the bench, with only eight total points generated in striking comparison to the Bearcats’ 18. UCF was outrebounded 36-30, out blocked 7-4, and outshot – a 47% success rate compared to a 38%.
From the free throw line, the Knights were unable to give themselves any help. In a Shaq-esque performance, UCF only sank 6 of their 17 free throw attempts.
The season is coming to the midpoint of conference play, and with a 1-5 AAC record, hope is becoming harder and harder to come by.
UCF will next lace up at home on Wednesday the 29th against a Memphis team who has won 7 of their last 10 games. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 pm start.
