Categories: College University Athletics

UCF University Basketball Team Faces Tough Loss Against Iowa State

UCF Knights face off against Iowa State Cyclones during a thrilling game

News Summary

In a challenging matchup in Ames, Iowa, the UCF Knights battled the ranked Iowa State Cyclones, led by Jordan Ivy Curry’s 24 points. Despite a strong start and a brief resurgence in the second half, UCF fell 108-83, marking their sixth loss in Big 12 play. Freshman Moustapha Thiam showed promise with significant blocks and rebounds. Looking ahead, UCF aims to bounce back against Texas Christian University in their next game.

UCF Basketball Team Faces Tough Loss Against Iowa State

In a thrilling basketball showdown in Ames, Iowa, the UCF Knights took on the formidable Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum on Tuesday night. Despite a commendable performance from fifth-year guard Jordan Ivy Curry, who led the Knights with 24 points, UCF found themselves on the losing end with a final score of 108-83.

A Challenging Matchup

This high-stakes game marked the Knights’ 18th contest of the season, and it came after a disappointing home loss to Houston. Coming in, UCF was looking to regain their footing but faced a tough obstacle in the form of Iowa State, who sat at No. 3 in the rankings and boasted the top Big 12 scoring offense. The Cyclones were on fire, pushing past their season scoring average of 83.8 points per game on their way to a decisive victory.

From the tip-off, UCF showed signs of competitiveness, matching Iowa State basket-for-basket in the early minutes. However, calamity struck in the form of a late first-half surge by the Cyclones. The Knights found themselves outscored 29-15 during that critical stretch, ending the half with a significant deficit of 54-36. Jordan Ivy Curry, up to that point, had managed to contribute an impressive 8 points to keep his team in the game.

A Glimpse of Hope

In the second half, the Knights came out with renewed vigor, netting 14 points in just three minutes. They narrowed the gap to just 11 points early in the half, giving fans a glimmer of hope for a comeback. However, maintaining that energetic momentum proved elusive, and Iowa State quickly regained control of the game, showcasing their depth and skill.

Freshman center Moustapha Thiam was another bright spot for UCF. He contributed 9 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and recorded his 39th and 40th blocks of the season. This achievement places him among the top 20 nationwide, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence in the paint. As the clock wound down, the Knights faced the harsh reality of falling to a 12-6 record overall, and 3-4 in Big 12 play.

Looking Ahead

The Knights are now gearing up for their next challenge against Texas Christian University on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Addition Financial Arena. UCF will undoubtedly look to bounce back and improve their conference standing as they continue their season.

This matchup against Iowa State was notable not just for the score, but also because it marked the second-ever meeting between the two teams, with Iowa State taking the victory both times.

While the scoreboard might not reflect it, basketball is about resilience, and UCF is poised to turn the page on this chapter and focus on brighter days ahead. Fans can expect nothing less than heart and determination from the Knights as they head into the weekend, ready to reclaim their position in the Big 12.