South Carolina State @ Central Florida preview

Central Florida is riding a wave of momentum into the final game of non-conference play as the Knights host South Carolina State on Thursday. UCF has won four consecutive games for the second time this season and looks to make it a season-high five against the Bulldogs.

The Knights are beginning to put it together on both sides of the court, finding some consistency on offense while maintaining their trademark defense. UCF has allowed 62 or fewer points in six consecutive games while scoring 65 or more in three of the past four games. It's the type of balance UCF is seeking heading in to the start of American Athletic Conference play next week. "We're still developing our chemistry," UCF coach Johnny Dawkins told reporters after Tuesday's victory against Stetson. "Our guys are still learning how to build on a lead. Today in the second half we were able to stretch it out because guys got stops and executed well offensively.''

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (4-10): The Bulldogs struggle on defense, having allowed 80 or more points in 11 of 14 games this season - including giving up more than 100 twice. Opponents are shooting above 50 percent from the floor on the season against South Carolina State. The Bulldogs have also been out-rebounded by an average of 5.6 rebounds per game.

ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA (8-3): Preseason All-Conference point guard B.J. Taylor, who suffered a fractured foot in the season opener, could be back for the start of conference play but Terrell Allen has stepped up in his absence. In Tuesday's victory against Stetson. Allen served up a career-high nine assists and committed just one turnover. Allen has a plus-15 assist/turnover ratio on the season.

TIP-INS

1. UCF is shooting above 50 percent from the field during its four-game winning streak while allowing an average of 57.5 points per game.

2. The Knights have won 12 consecutive games when scoring at least 60 points and lost five conseuctive when failing to reach the 60-point mark.

3. While UCF has won 10 of the past 11 games at home dating back to last season, South Carolina State is 0-9 on the road this season.

PREDICTION: UCF 77, South Carolina State 58