Knights step into unknown territory
The Knights try to keep their season alive today in Eugene when they play the Ducks for the first time.
UCF (19-14) has had an up-and-down season but can salvage the disappointment of not qualifying for the NCAA Tournament by knocking off a No. 1 seed in the NIT (ESPNU, 7:30).
A victory would advance the Knights to the quarterfinals opposite the the winner of today’s game between Liberty and Wisconsin (ESPN2, noon). Oregon is 20-14.
Bottom line: The Ducks’ record in Pac-12 games is 12-8, and their record is 8-6 against non-conference opponents. Oregon ranks second in the Pac-12 with 9.9 offensive rebounds per game led by N’Faly Dante averaging 3.0.
The Knights are 8-10 against AAC teams. UCF ranks eighth in the conference with 31.5 rebounds per game led by Taylor Hendricks averaging 6.9.
Top performers: Dante is shooting 61.4% and averaging 13.4 points for the Ducks. Jermaine Couisnard is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Oregon.
Hendricks is scoring 15.3 points per game with 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the Knights. CJ Kelly is averaging 15.4 points and 1.9 steals over the last 10 games for UCF.
Last 10 games: Ducks are 6-4, averaging 71.8 points, 35.9 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 4.4 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 65.9 points per game.
Knights are 5-5, averaging 73.1 points, 29.2 rebounds, 14.8 assists, 9.0 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.5 points.