UCF basketball recap: Green Wave Drowns Golden Knights, 86-80

CUSA Fans UCF Correspondent Ryan Westin brings the latest update on the UCF Golden Knights basketball team.

UCF started tonight’s game at Tulane almost the exact same way they started last week’s Wednesday game against East Carolina, winning the tip then pushing it up the floor for an easy basket. David Gomez was there to make Lavell Payne earn the two points on the line as he made both to put UCF up 2-0. However, UCF was not as fortunate to finish the same way as last week, as they dropped an 86-80 decision at Fogelman Arena.

Tulane’s intensity and hot hand in the second half were just too much for the Golden Knights to match, as the Green Wave scored 54 points after the break. They went 20-of-29 (69 percent) from the field in the second stanza.

David Gomez picked up two quick fouls only two minutes into the game and stayed on the bench until six minutes to go in the first half.

The Knights pushed the lead to ten with just under two minutes to go in the half but the Green Wave fought back—closing the gap to six after a three from the top of the circle by Chris Sims.

UCF led at the break by eight, 40-32.

UCF's Lavell Payne had 13 points at the half but was limited in action after picking up his third foul early in the second half. Payne led the Knights in scoring in limited action shooting 9-of-12 from the field in nineteen minutes of action to finish the day with 23 points. Josh Peppers was bruised up in this one and finished the night with 21 points while going 8-of-16 from the field.

In the second half, things got ugly in the first 10 minutes as Mike O'Donnell went out briefly with an ankle injury and the Knights got into some foul trouble of their own.

Tulane was able to cut the Knights advantage down to 1 after a lay-up by Chris Moore. An offensive foul by UCF gave Tulane the chance to take their first lead of the second half and it capitalized with an easy basket by David Gomez to take a one point lead, 51-50.

Tulane’s energy and intensity allowed them to pull away from UCF down the stretch.

Chris Moore was able to put it away with a three with just over three minutes to play-- putting UCF down by 8. Moore had a total of 22 points shooting 8-of-10 from the field and added three buckets from behind the arc.

Energy and Intensity
UCF head coach Kirk Speraw stated that his team did not match the intensity and energy that Tulane brought to the court for the entire game. UCF had a large lead at the half and as in the past the Knights not only gave up their large lead but, allowed the Green Wave to muster one of their own. Tulane had several key steals that they converted into easy buckets on the other end. UCF was not able to answer when Tulane attacked in midway through the second stanza.

Think Positive
UCF has won every game following a loss after their seven losses this season. It hopes this trend continues on Saturday in their huge game at Rice.

Woeful Wednesday’s
UCF has not faired well on Wednesday night this season, as they’re now 3-6 on the season. The Golden Knights only other loss was a 74-63 defeat to Minnesota on a Tuesday night.

Who's Next?
The Golden Knights travel to Houston on Saturday night where they will take on Rice in a game that has huge implications with regard to the CUSA standings. Rice lost on the road Wednesday night as well at UAB, suffering an 84-73 defeat at UAB. Rice and UCF are now in a tie for third place in the standings behind Houston who lost to non-conference opponent South Alabama on Wednesday night.

Ryan’s Rollin’ Out To Rice
I will be covering this game in person when the Knights tip off at 7 p.m. (CST).