UCF beat KU (then ranked 3rd) and OU at home, played BYU close home and away. Cyclone defense and distributed offense travel well. Are there any match up concerns?
How dangerous is UCF?
- Thread starter CyclonePigskin
- Start date
Good enough to beat us if we don't pay attention. I'd say a repeat of the OU game would be enough for us to take the L.
Very good defensive team, and a lot of size inside for great rebounding, but they do turn it over a lot. I think we really need to take advantage of that and force turnovers that turn into runouts. If we can do that, we'll be fine. Don't do that, and it will be a dogfight.
I've haven't watched them much so I'm just going off numbers here.
Their overall offensive metrics are pretty low. Defensive metrics are pretty good but teams get to the line a lot against them (so they foul a lot). That, combined with their record, I'm guessing their bench is pretty thin. They're a poor shooting team, overall and on three-pointers specifically, and they turn the ball over a lot.
Sounds like a recipe for a Cyclone blowout to me. They've got some size/length/athletes in the front court though, could give us problems. They block a lot of shots, 14th in the country and 1st in the Big 12.
Their overall offensive metrics are pretty low. Defensive metrics are pretty good but teams get to the line a lot against them (so they foul a lot). That, combined with their record, I'm guessing their bench is pretty thin. They're a poor shooting team, overall and on three-pointers specifically, and they turn the ball over a lot.
Sounds like a recipe for a Cyclone blowout to me. They've got some size/length/athletes in the front court though, could give us problems. They block a lot of shots, 14th in the country and 1st in the Big 12.
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This is our recipe for nearly every game.
Yes, but it's especially critical against a team like this where you don't want to get stuck in the half court with them.
I think it will be hard to score inside on them. Need lots of points off turnovers, and/or shoot well from 3. Also, make your free throws! Just that alone will make this a challenging game.
Defensively, be patient and don't foul too much, letting them score from the line and causing your own depth problems.
I think the Clones need to play a good and smart game, UCF is certainly capable, and the OP proves that.
Defensively, be patient and don't foul too much, letting them score from the line and causing your own depth problems.
I think the Clones need to play a good and smart game, UCF is certainly capable, and the OP proves that.
Even with wins, we've been struggling some since Houston.
I just hope we can keep the dinged up guys healthy.
I just hope we can keep the dinged up guys healthy.
will probably be a defensive slug fest. Hopefully we can hit some 3's. They have some size down low.
They are pretty good. NIT level team who plays tough at home and can upset good teams. I think they also beat Texas on the road.
That said… I like our chances. They have not faced our relentless defense yet. I’m hoping for a close spread to come out so I can hammer ISU. I think we win by 7-10 points.
That said… I like our chances. They have not faced our relentless defense yet. I’m hoping for a close spread to come out so I can hammer ISU. I think we win by 7-10 points.
Of the three games left, I am least concerned about this one. That isn't saying much though as I am very worried about BYU and K-State. On paper, it seems like UCF also a defense first team, albeit one that isn't as good as us. They're a little turn over prone. If we can capitalize on that it will usually lead to a better offensive game for us. If they don't turn the ball over this could turn into another rock fight, which isn't ideal on the road. We should all feel good going into this game, but this is a loss we absolutely have to avoid to keep on a 2 line for the toruney.
All I've seen of them this year is the last few minutes of their game against Oklahoma State after the conclusion of our game the other night. They toughed out a gritty, ugly win in the closing minutes. They look long and athletic, with some size as others have noted. My comp in a short sample size would be Cincinnati, and we won there fairly easily, so I think we could see a repeat of that one potentially. I don't think they are probably as skilled as Cinci, but probably a tougher matchup for us to try and score against. As long as the guys are locked in. Probably beneficial that this wasn't a middle of the week trip all the way down to Florida. I like a low scoring affair,
Iowa State 60
UCF 48
Iowa State 60
UCF 48
A less skilled but perhaps more athletic Cincy is a good comp, at least from my limited viewings of both teams this year.
Oh for sure. Of all the remaining games, I really want revenge against BYU at home. That would be another Q1 win. I don't want to lose @ Kansas State though either, they are teetering on the Q2 line.
I remember having to take a step back after our November tournament, and I am pretty sure I was resided to being happy with a 9-9 or even 8-10 Big 12 finish. So everything we're getting right now is and will continue to be icing on the cake in my opinion.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
Not as dangerous as us. Probably a slugfest of a start with our guys pulling away for a nice, gritty 12 point win.
They played Houston and only putup 42 on them. I expect a similar result against us.
They are similar to Cincy. They are also a lot better at home which is concerning.
They don't have a very dynamic offense, very "mid-majorish" schematically. A lot of pre-determined sets and actions designed to free one particular guy or one particular look, so if it's not there they can look pretty bad.
I think our defense is built to defend that style. We just don't let people run their stuff. They have had a guy or two get hot from 3 tho in their big wins tho, so they are capable.
They are legit athletic and long, and they match up well on defense and the boards in this conference. A lot better than most expected. I think morale is pretty high even if they miss the tournament. Their coach has them playing hard.
It will be a tough test. I'd say the odds are 60/40 for a victory, which is a credit to them.
They don't have a very dynamic offense, very "mid-majorish" schematically. A lot of pre-determined sets and actions designed to free one particular guy or one particular look, so if it's not there they can look pretty bad.
I think our defense is built to defend that style. We just don't let people run their stuff. They have had a guy or two get hot from 3 tho in their big wins tho, so they are capable.
They are legit athletic and long, and they match up well on defense and the boards in this conference. A lot better than most expected. I think morale is pretty high even if they miss the tournament. Their coach has them playing hard.
It will be a tough test. I'd say the odds are 60/40 for a victory, which is a credit to them.
