Moustapha Thiam’s growth helps UCF basketball get back on track

Moustapha Thiam has played 25 games at UCF, but the true freshman had yet to notch a double-double.

So when coach Johnny Dawkins playfully inquired about his 7-foot-2 centers lack of this accomplishment during a recruiting dinner Tuesday night, he likely never imagined that Thiam would achieve that milestone just one night later.

Thiam scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while tying a school record with 8 blocks in UCFs 80-76 win over Kansas State.

I said its amazing that you havent had a double-double for someone as talented as you are.

When will you do stuff like that because youre capable? Dawkins said.

Added Thiam: Im like, I will do it.

And then when I got it, I looked at him and said, I told you.

UCF (15-13, 6-11 Big 12) has won back-to-back games for the first time since late December and consecutive Big 12 games for the first time since last season.

Veteran UCF assistant Pete Alamar preaches opportunities on special teams This two-game stretch follows a decade-worst, seven-game losing streak, severely diminishing UCFs chances of securing a spot in the NCAA tournament.

The Knights struggled defensively, allowing nearly 86 points per game during a three-week stretch.

However, UCF has regained defensive form in the past two games, allowing only 74 points while forcing 31 turnovers and turning them into 37 points.

Part of the reason for the turnaround has been Thiams play.

He is averaging 14.5 points and 8 rebounds, up from his season averages of 10 points and 5.8 rebounds.

Youre just seeing him become more active as he gains confidence in seeing what he can do, said Dawkins.

The game is starting to slow down for him and hes playing with much more composure.

He understands what he can do, and hes getting better.

Moustapha is a dominant player.

You understand his potential is out the roof.

He doesnt like us saying it, but its true, said forward Keyshawn Hall.

Thiam, meanwhile, takes a humble approach to his performance.

Im just trying to help my team win.

Thats all Im trying to do, he said.

Im trying to help my team on defense, even if sometimes my offense doesnt go how I want.

For UCF secondary coach Brandon Harris, football and family go together UCF looks to keep its winning streak alive when the Knights travel to face TCU (15-13, 8-9 Big 12).

The Horned Frogs have dropped back-to-back road games by a combined 29 points but are 13-2 overall at Schollmaier Arena, with the last loss coming against Kansas on Jan.

22.

We believe we still have everything in front of us.

We have a lot of basketball to play and we know once were starting to click now, I dont think any team wants to see us, said guard Darius Johnson .

Im confident in the guys behind me and Im that confident in our coaching staff.

We still have a lot of basketball left.

The Knights havent won three straight conference games since the 2022-23 season.

Matt Murschel can be reached at [email protected] Up next ...

UCF at TCU When: 3, Saturday, Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas TV: ESPN+.

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