Preview: UCF Knights at Cincinnati Bearcats

CINCINNATI (Interstat) — A surging UCF squad looks to rebound from its most lopsided loss of the season when it visits a Cincinnati team seeking revenge in a Big 12 Conference rematch Sunday at Fifth Third Arena.

The Knights (17-5), who entered the week ranked in the AP Top 25, saw a four-game winning streak snapped emphatically in a 79-55 defeat at Houston on Wednesday. Prior to that, UCF had established itself as a conference contender with an 8-2 stretch in league play, a run that included a narrow 73-72 home victory over these same Bearcats on Jan. 11.

Cincinnati (11-12) has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over its past seven games. The Bearcats are coming off a 65-59 home loss to West Virginia on Thursday, their second defeat in three outings.

The first meeting was decided by a single point, and the focal points of that contest are again players to watch. UCF guard Jamichael Stillwell, who scored 15 points in the January win, has been a catalyst. Over his last seven games, Stillwell is averaging 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, including a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) against Texas Tech.

Cincinnati will counter with forward Baba Miller, who posted 13 points, four assists and two blocks in the earlier loss. Miller has shown high-level scoring ability, dropping 25 points against Colorado and 23 at Arizona State in January, but was held to just two points in a recent loss to Houston.

For UCF, the challenge is to rediscover its offensive rhythm after shooting just 32.7% from the field at Houston. Cincinnati aims to protect its home court and climb back to .500 overall, leveraging a defense that has held opponents under 70 points in three of its last five home games.

The Knights hold a firm advantage in the standings, but the Bearcats have proven capable at home, including a win over then-Baylor last month. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST Sunday.