Fast start helps UCF push past TCU, snap 2-game losing streak

[ad_1]

If there were any questions about UCF’s intensity coming off back-to-back losses, those were quickly answered.

Keyshawn Hall connected on back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers as the Knights scored 13 consecutive points in less than three minutes before cruising to an 85-58 win over visiting TCU on Saturday.

UCF (13-6, 4-4 Big 12) snapped its two-game losing streak with the win and strengthened its case as a possible bubble team for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Knights were coming off losses to No. 10 Houston (69-68) and No. 3 Iowa State (108-83).

The 108 points by the Cyclones were the most scored against a UCF team since Marshall scored 121 in triple-overtime on Feb. 27, 2010.

That fervor carried over to the defensive side of the ball as UCF held TCU to 36% shooting, including 1 for 20 on 3-pointers. The Horned Frogs were 0 for 15 at one point, drawing jeers from the Knights’ student section.

Center Moustapha Thiam had 2 blocks in the first six minutes, finishing with 5 blocks along with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

Hall finished with 26 points and 8 rebounds, highlighted by 11 of 13 from the free-throw line.

Darius Johnson, who left the Iowa State loss in the first half with an injury, returned to score 15 points.

TCU (10-9, 3-5 Big 12) has dropped back-to-back games for the first time since losing to Santa Clara and Colorado State during the Acrisure Invitational on Nov. 28-29. The loss also drops the Horned Frogs to 1-4 on the road this season.

Jaylin Sellers was again absent from the lineup as the senior guard deals with an undisclosed injury. Sellers hasn’t played since Jan. 5 and is averaging 6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in 3 appearances.

Matt Murschel can be reached at [email protected]

UP NEXT

UCF at No. 12 Kansas

8 p.m., Tuesday, Allen Fieldhouse (Lawrence, Kansas)

TV: ESPN+

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/fast-start-helps-ucf-push-230200781.html

Author : Orlando Sentinel

Publish date : 2025-01-25 23:02:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.