Coming off a difficult, last-second loss to Marshall on Saturday, the UCF men’s basketball team (13-4, 3-1 C-USA) will play host to the Memphis Tigers Wednesday night.
Memphis, who are generally regarded as the class of Conference-USA, is 10-0 all-time against the Knights. UCF will look to end that streak as they sit a half game behind the Tigers (12-5, 3-0 C-USA) in the conference standings.
After a heartbreaking loss in Orlando last season, the Knights will get their first crack at avenging a loss off an Antonio Barton three-pointer with 2.6 seconds to go.
Amidst the losses of point guard Jeff Jordan and center Dwight McCombs, the Knights starters will have to play an even more significant role in defeating a Tigers team on a six-game winning streak.
Since A.J. Rompza’s return, the Knights are 4-1, and he should help provide a spark for both the crowd and his teammates, however Rompza has to play better against the Tigers. In his career against Memphis, he is averaging a mere five points, nearly four assists, two rebounds and two turnovers per contest, which will not be enough to achieve another season-defining upset.
Memphis has been in some ways a disappointment under third-year coach Josh Pastner, with losses against undefeated Murray State, Georgetown, Louisville and Michigan. Historically, Memphis has dominated conference play and looks to do so again this season.
The Knights have had some close contests against Memphis over the past few years, with most of the games at the UCF Arena coming down to the wire.
Since last year’s heartbreaking home loss to the Tigers, the Knights are 15-0 at the UCF Arena. A big crowd is expected for tonight and could help UCF persevere against a tough opponent.
After a 1-8 start to conference play last season, UCF is 3-1 and in the upper echelon of C-USA. A victory Wednesday would be the win to solidify the expectations of Knights fans, and prove that UCF belongs with the powerhouses at the top of the conference.
