UCF basketball is mired in one of its worst losing streaks in almost a decade, dropping six straight games for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
What was once a season brimming with optimism is quickly trending towards apathy.
The Knights (13-12, 4-10 Big 12) will look to snap out of their funk when they travel to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State (12-13, 4-10).
It’s been a rough patch for Johnny Dawkins’ team, with four of the six losses during this stretch by double digits, including a 76-63 loss at Colorado on Saturday.
“They made a few more plays than we made, especially in the second half and they made some good runs because they were able to execute,” Dawkins said after the game. “We have to do a better job of putting bodies on guys. They had 16 offensive rebounds that led to 17 second-chance points.”
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There were many familiar themes for UCF during this latest loss against the Buffaloes. After going toe-to-toe in the first half, another slow start in the second half saw the Knights fall behind by double digits midway through the final 20 minutes.
UCF was without guard Jordan Ivy-Curry, who sat with an undisclosed injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by redshirt freshman guard Mikey Williams, who had 8 points on 3 of 10 shooting in 24 minutes.
“We missed him. He’s an experienced player for us and had a solid season,” said Dawkins of Ivy-Curry. “He will be fine, but he’s more day-to-day on where he is. I don’t know when he’ll return, but I know he’s working hard to try and recover and get back.”
The Knights have struggled defensively, particularly in the second half, allowing opponents to shoot 51% (95 of 187) while they’re shooting just 41% (79 of 194). They’ve also been outrebounded four times during this losing streak.
UCF ranks last in the Big 12 in total defense, allowing 79.6 points per game, behind Oklahoma State, which allows 75.2.
The Cowboys have lost two in a row and six of their last eight games in their first season under coach Steve Lutz, who is coming off three consecutive seasons with a conference championship, first at Texas A&M-Corpus-Christi and then at Western Kentucky.
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
UCF at Oklahoma State
When: 9, Wednesday, Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater
TV: ESPNU