Preview: UCF Knights at West Virginia Mountaineers

STAR CITY, W.Va. (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season Big 12 clash with postseason implications is set for Friday afternoon when the UCF Knights visit the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum.

The Knights (20-9 overall), seeking to bolster their NCAA tournament resume, enter having lost three of their last four, including a 111-104 overtime heartbreaker to Oklahoma State on Tuesday. UCF’s offense, averaging over 86 points in its last five games, has been potent but its defense has faltered, allowing an average of 96 points in the three recent losses.

UCF will lean heavily on guard Themus Fulks, who is averaging 21.4 points and 7.4 assists over his last five contests. He scored 19 points in the first meeting with West Virginia this season, a 74-67 Mountaineers victory in Orlando on Feb. 14.

West Virginia (17-13) looks to solidify its standing and complete a regular-season sweep of the Knights. The Mountaineers have struggled offensively, failing to reach 70 points in four of their last six outings, including a 65-63 loss at Kansas State on Tuesday. They have lost five of their last seven games.

Forward Chance Moore has been a bright spot for West Virginia, scoring in double figures in seven consecutive games. He tallied 12 points and two blocks in the win at UCF last month. His interior presence will be critical against a UCF frontcourt featuring shot-blocker John Bol.

The matchup hinges on tempo. UCF’s high-paced attack, led by Fulks, will test a West Virginia defense that ranks among the Big 12’s best in conference play. Conversely, the Mountaineers must solve their scoring droughts to keep pace.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. With both teams jockeying for position ahead of the Big 12 tournament, Friday’s contest carries significant weight for their postseason aspirations.