Hartford, CT – The University of Central Florida Men’s Basketball team will move to the American Athletic Conference Championship Semifinals for the first time ever.
Wins against then No. 15 University of Cincinnati and then rival University of South Florida gave the Knights a bye game and ticket straight to the quarterfinals Friday at 2 p.m.
Predictions would be a toss up as Memphis claimed the first game in the season series 70-65. A rematch ignited the Knights as they defeated the Tigers for the second time in program history at CFE Arena 72-57.
Once again, sophomore B.J. Taylor and senior Matt Williams led the charge with 14 and 19 points apiece, respectively. Taylor would bring five assists to the floor and Williams would rack up seven field goals and five three-pointers.
AAC Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year Tacko Fall, having already broken the all-time record for most blocks in a season at UCF, along with Williams’ three-pointers, piled on three more blocks in addition to 11 rebounds.
Head coach Johnny Dawkins turned the team on a dime after taking over prior to season start, breaking record after record for the program. Needless to say, Director of Athletics Danny White couldn’t be happier.
The Knights finished Memphis 84-54 and will move on to face SMU in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon, March 11.
Stay tuned for a post-game recap. Photo courtesy of UCF Athletics Communications.
