UCF brings a two-game winning streak and a surging rookie center into a Big 12 showdown with TCU on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas.The Knights (15-13, 6-11 Big 12) beat Kansas State 80-76 Wednesday at home behind the first double-double from Moustapha Thiam, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds.The 7-foot-2 Senegal native almost had a triple-double as he tied a UCF record with eight blocked shots. In the last 11 games, Thiam has averaged 13.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks.”You have to have someone that can protect the rim,” UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. “Especially in this league. You have so many talented players that can go off the bounce and get to the basket. You have so many post players that can score down low. You need guys that can protect the rim, rebound and block shots.”Keyshawn Hall leads the Knights with 19.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He scored 26 points and Darius Johnson had 23 points in the win over the Wildcats.The Horned Frogs (15-13, 8-9) lost 73-55 Tuesday at West Virginia. As time runs out to pick up regular-season wins, TCU coach Jamie Dixon wants the Horned Frogs to move on.
