Austin, TX – The College of Texas took on Large 12 newcomers, the UCF Knights, Wednesday night time at dwelling. Texas appeared as if they have been on their option to a strong win with as a lot as a 15-point lead within the first body. By halftime, the Longhorns have been main 44-32 due to the taking pictures of each Max Abmas (15 factors) and Ithiel Horton (20 factors).
The second half opened with two huge alley-oop dunks from Dillon Mitchell which gave the impression to be the nail within the coffin for UCF. As a substitute, the Knights chipped away on the lead due to huge time pictures from Jaylin Sellers (24 factors) and Shemarri Allen (17 factors) to assist UCF take the lead at with 7:21 remaining. The groups traded leads till the four-minute mark when Abmas hit a 3 to make it 68-67. Sadly, UCF took full management and didn’t let the Longhorns rating till the sport was out of hand and received a 77-71 comeback win.
UCF had 5 gamers in double-figures and have been led by Sellers, off the bench along with his 24 factors and 5 rebounds. Sellers’ taking pictures supplied a significant spark. His three-point taking pictures in addition to his mid-range sport have been essential to maintain the Longhorns from extending their lead. Sellers additionally hit all eight of his free throw makes an attempt with 4 within the closing minute to maintain the lead. Sellers is a inventive scorer and shooter, however has been inefficient as of late. The transfer to the bench allowed him to focus his vitality on scoring as a substitute of playmaking and it supplied an enormous increase to the Knights offense. For the Knights and Sellers sake, hopefully it’s a everlasting transfer.
Shemarri Allen had a whole sport with 17 factors (season excessive), seven assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Particularly within the second half, Shemarri appeared to have full management of this sport. Whether or not that was to hit a clutch shot, or make the best passing learn, Allen appeared to at all times make the best resolution. Allen additionally held his personal with taking up the defensive project of guarding Abmas. With Sellers coming off the bench it put the ball extra in Allen’s palms which led to numerous good choices. Hopefully it is a development that continues.
Whereas not contributing a lot on the offensive finish. Ibrahima Diallo tonight protected the rim like his life relied on it. Diallo ended the night time with three blocks (two within the second half) and deterred many pictures to make the Longhorns’ lives troublesome within the paint. Diallo had a clutch block within the closing minute that solidified the win for the Knights. UCF will proceed to be dominant within the paint so long as Diallo is there.
For the Longhorns, Horton was the main scorer tonight with 20 factors. This was a form of homecoming sport for him as a result of he transferred from UCF this previous season. Ithiel had his finest sport taking pictures 8-of-14 from the sector and hit 40% of his three pointers. Nevertheless, it was not sufficient to beat his former group. The transfer to the beginning lineup does appear to open up the ground for others to function within the paint. Abmas wasn’t as environment friendly as he often is. He completed with 15 factors however shot solely 5-of-13 (38% FG) and 4-of-11 (36% 3FG). 36% on three isn’t horrible, however each Horton and Abmas couldn’t hit pictures when it mattered most within the closing 4 minutes.
Mitchell continues to supply environment friendly play inside the Longhorn offense. Mitchell completed with 15 factors, 9 rebounds and two steals. Mitchell shot 6-of-9 from the sector, principally attributable to off ball cuts and drives to the rim. Mitchell continues to be struggling on his shot however did hit a formidable turnaround midrange within the second half that’s encouraging. Although the Longhorns misplaced, Mitchell continues to supply nice minutes.
General the UCF Knights have earned some big wins within the Large 12 convention proving that they belong. The Knights will look to construct on this win towards #5-ranked on January twentieth. In the meantime Texas has been on a little bit of a tail spin and can look to cease the slide towards the #9-ranked Baylor Bears, additionally on the twentieth.
This text was written by Matthew Lawyer, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You’ll be able to comply with us on Fb, or on twitter.
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