Memphis would gain an early 18-2 lead in the game’s first 6 minutes. In the coming minutes UCF would close in on the 16 point deficit, finding their groove on offense. Sophomore Guard Brandon Goodwin led the Knights on a 9-4 run to put the game at 20-11 with 11 minutes left in the half. Defensively the Knights would step up in the final 10 minutes, holding the Tigers to just 11 points. UCF would score 17 in that time to put the score at 31-28 going into halftime.
Goodwin would lead the Knights with 7 points at the half. Memphis Junior Forward Shaq Goodwin would lead with 6 in the half. UCF shot 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from 3 point range.
In the second half, Memphis Sophomore Forward Austin Nichols would lead the team on a 11-3 run with 15 minutes left of play. UCF didn’t give up and after a few key plays by Junior Forward Staphon Blair the Knights were back in the game. The Knights were down 56-50 with 5 minutes left in the half. Memphis Guard Avery Woodson would hit a three point shot in the game’s final minute to give the Tigers a 6 point lead. Blair would go on to score on two key layups to put the score at 59-57. Brandon Goodwin would drive right with 12 seconds left on the clock to tie the game for UCF. Goodwin would also steal the ball with one-second left to give the Knights a chance to win, but a block by Memphis’ Kedren Johnson would send the game into overtime.
Memphis started a 9-0 run in OT and the Tigers wouldn’t look back. Memphis won the game 75-65 and ended UCF’s three game winning streak. Brandon Goodwin led UCF with 15 points,5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Austin Nichols led Memphis with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
UCF will be headed to Fifth Third Arena to face the Cincinnati Bearcats in another AAC matchup. The game is on Wednesday and tipoff is scheduled to start at 7:30.