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NCAA Basketball: UNC’s title hopes, to-do list for bubble teams and more weekly takeaways

By Brian Rauf

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 09: Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Dean Smith Center on March 09, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 09: Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Dean Smith Center on March 09, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 02: B.J. Taylor #1 of the UCF Knights drives toward the basket as Dejon Jarreau #13 of the Houston Cougars defends during the first half at Fertitta Center on March 02, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 02: B.J. Taylor #1 of the UCF Knights drives toward the basket as Dejon Jarreau #13 of the Houston Cougars defends during the first half at Fertitta Center on March 02, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

4) UCF might be a tournament threat

UCF was tabbed as the preseason favorite in the American but had largely underachieved during the season. Despite a lofty record, they had some bad losses and no real marquee wins to upset them.

They got those marquee wins this week when they knocked off Houston on the road, ending what was the nation’s longest home-court winning streak, and then beating Cincinnati at home on Thursday. A loss to Temple this weekend put a damper on UCF’s hot close to the season, but the way they’re playing right now can’t be ignored.

The Knights have been one of the nation’s best defensive teams all season long, ranking in the top 15 nationally in effective field goal percentage defense. Their length plays a major role in that, as does the shot-blocking ability of 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall in the middle.

Fall’s size is a problem for every team, yet it’s the combination of B.J. Taylor and Aubrey Dawkins that lead UCF offensively. That trio is as good as any and Taylor and Dawkins were the two best players on the court in their two big wins this week.

Those wins over Houston and Cincinnati should give the Knights either a No. 8 or No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Those traits should be enough to push them to a victory in that game and will pose a problem for whoever they would play in the second round.

I don’t know if UCF can knock off a top seed, but they might be able to beat a No. 2 should they rise to a No. 7 seed or fall to No. 10. Another team playing their best basketball right now, you’d be smart to pay attention to where they end up on Selection Sunday. Defense, size, and guard play travel in the NCAA Tournament, and the Knights have all three.

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