Matt's success is that much more amazing because, unlike most other teams, UCF doesn't use screen or many picks to get him free, instead relying on his height, quick release, and NBA range to get his shots off. Low scoring and tough defense in the AAC also makes his stat ranking implausible. This is Matt's highest ranking, and he's approaching the AAC's record (and Jermaine's career total).
At 74.7%, Tacko slipped to 3rd in nation in shooting pct. (6 for 10 against Memphis). Tacko is at 2.4 block/game (23rd in nation), mainly because few teams dare challenge him. He's also 7th in rebounds per 40 minutes, despite playing almost 10 minutes more per game this season than last.
UCF is 2nd in the nation rebounds (43.2/game), UCF is 2nd in rebounding margin (11.1), 4th in scoring defense (61.1/game), first in shooting defense (35.6%), 20th in fewest fouls. No UCF team (and very few others schools, either) have come anywhere near the top of so many important aspects of college defense. Credit Dawkins, Tacko's presence, and player buy-in to teamwork and sacrifice.
At the other end of the spectrum, UCF is deep in the pack or near the bottom in the following:
blocks (127th of 351 schools), shooting pct. (192nd), 3 pt shooting pct. (247th), free throw percentage (281st), assists (295th), turnovers (310th), Steals (dead last in nation), turnover margin (dead last).
At 74.7%, Tacko slipped to 3rd in nation in shooting pct. (6 for 10 against Memphis). Tacko is at 2.4 block/game (23rd in nation), mainly because few teams dare challenge him. He's also 7th in rebounds per 40 minutes, despite playing almost 10 minutes more per game this season than last.
UCF is 2nd in the nation rebounds (43.2/game), UCF is 2nd in rebounding margin (11.1), 4th in scoring defense (61.1/game), first in shooting defense (35.6%), 20th in fewest fouls. No UCF team (and very few others schools, either) have come anywhere near the top of so many important aspects of college defense. Credit Dawkins, Tacko's presence, and player buy-in to teamwork and sacrifice.
At the other end of the spectrum, UCF is deep in the pack or near the bottom in the following:
blocks (127th of 351 schools), shooting pct. (192nd), 3 pt shooting pct. (247th), free throw percentage (281st), assists (295th), turnovers (310th), Steals (dead last in nation), turnover margin (dead last).