The Milwaukee Panthers, riding a four-game winning streak and boasting a 5-2 record for the first time in four seasons, head to Orlando for a midweek non-conference clash against UCF. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET Thursday, with the game available live on ESPN+.
A win would give Milwaukee its best start since the 2013-14 season, when the team opened 9-2. The Panthers enter the matchup with momentum after sweeping the Cream City Challenge, securing three victories in as many days.
UCF (4-2) looks to bounce back from a triple-overtime loss to LSU, which ended their best start under head coach Johnny Dawkins. In eight seasons, Dawkins has led the Knights to four postseason appearances and a 97-35 home record, including a perfect 4-0 mark this year. Jordan Ivy-Curry (17.3 ppg), Keyshawn Hall (17.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and Darius Johnson (15.0 ppg) lead UCF’s offense. The Knights average 81.8 points per game.
The Panthers feature four players averaging double figures in scoring, led by senior guard AJ McKee with 16 points per game. Themus Fulks contributes 14.7 points, while Kentrell Pullian adds 11.6 points. Jamichael Stillwell is posting a double-double with 12.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. As a team, Milwaukee averages 80.6 points per contest.
Both teams excel on the boards, ranking in the top 30 nationally. UCF grabs 43.3 rebounds per game (21st), while Milwaukee pulls down 42.4 (30th), making rebounding a potential deciding factor.
This is the first meeting between the programs since the 1990-91 season. Milwaukee leads the all-time series 2-0.
