Houston @ UCF: Post-game Review (L 97-69)

Matt's Thoughts:

This was the ugliest basketball game I've ever witnessed. I'm not sure how we scored 69 points. There really isn't one person to blame for this loss with how badly everyone played. Tony Davis somehow ended up with 20 points and 13 rebounds, 10 of them offensively. Tony seemingly had most of his points on tips off of missed shots. He crashed the boards boards very well and came up with some good blocks.

The turnovers tonight were unbearable to watch. Our starters had a combine 13 turnovers, with 5 more coming from the bench players. Taylor Young checked out with 3 very unusual turnovers tonight. He struggled mightily with passing, and seemed to try to force things far too often. Tonight's performance will definitely hurt his #1 ranking in the assist/turnover ratio.

We all had a scary moment when AJ Rompza collapsed in pain after rolling his ankle early in the second half. The normally energized Rompza slammed his fist on the floor repeatedly, writhing in pain before being carried to the bench. Thankfully AJ came back later in the game with a taped ankle, but was clearly hampered by his injury. He limped on and off the court for the rest of the game, and was slowed a step on defense.

The Knights went under at the beginning of the game and couldn't come back up for air.

About Joe Burnett: I have to say, I love this guy. He was incredibly humble and personable during his autograph signing session and followed it up with a great farewell speech. The best part of this game was Joe's 3 pointer to end halftime. Way to go out on top Joe, we'll always love you.

Attention: Wednesday February 4th!

In case you haven’t heard. Wednesday is a HUGE DAY for Knights Nation. Joe Hornstein, Associate Director of Athletics for UCF, has a message to the fan base: “First you have CFB National Signing Day! Then the Sign & Dine party in The Venue (should be the best one yet). Then UCF football student season ticket holders have their chance to grab a limited edition Knightmare t-shirt, football lapel pin and Knightmare placard up until 5:30 p.m.”

Are you excited yet? Oh, you need more? No problem.

Joe Burnett, the first team All-American, #19 in the program, but #1 in our hearts, remember him? Yea. He’s back. SMOKIN’ JOE BURNETT IS BACK! UCF will be honoring him during the Houston game. Arrive early and you’ll have the chance to receive a commemorative Joe Burn poster… and get it signed! The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have to meet the legend.

And man I hope your health insurance is in order because, just when you thought it couldn’t get any more exciting, The Knights still have the White-out against The Houston Face Stompers @ 7pm! For those who don’t know, this Houston game is bigger than USF, and now, bigger than Memphis. A Knights victory puts UCF all alone at second place in CUSA. If UCF can finish out in second place, the Knights wouldn’t have to face the number 1 seed until the final round of the CUSA tourney...HUGE. For those who don’t know, Houston/UCF is one of those games that never disappoints. The most exciting game I ever attended was not UCF vs. Tulsa in the Triple OT Thriller. No sir. It was UCF vs. Houston in the 06/07 season. What a beautiful game.

So, to summarize:

Wednesday February 4^th, 2009 is the most important day in the history of all history.

1. National Signing Day.

2. Sign & Dine at The Venue + Student Season Ticket holders can claim their gifts.

3. Joe Burnett autograph signing.

4. UCF ARMORED IN WHITE vs. HOUSTON. 7pm in THE DUNGEON.

Fanatics, I beg you, bring your friends. Bring your siblings. Bring your grandparents. Have class? SKIP IT. Working? LEAVE EARLY. UCF Basketball is a great excuse.

Go Knights!

-Vin