Men's Basketball Takes On Central Florida

Dec. 8, 2000

Coral Gables, FL – The University of Miami men’s basketball team (3-2) will look to get back on the winning track when it faces Central Florida (1-3) this Saturday, December 9 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Miami Arena.

Miami will attempt to snap its current two-game losing streak having dropped consecutive games to UNC Charlotte and North Carolina this past week.

The Hurricanes, who have won 23 consecutive games against teams from the state of Florida, have been led this season by junior guard John Salmons. Salmons currently leads UM in scoring (13.0 ppg) and assists (2.8 apg), and is tied for the team lead in rebounding (5.8 rpg). Salmons has started 51 consecutive games for the Hurricanes and has scored in double figures in eight straight games dating back to last season.

Central Florida enters the game with a record of 1-3 following a 69-68 loss at Mercer on December 2. The Golden Knight’s lone victory this season was an 80-67 decision against Hawaii Pacific on November 26 at the Hawaii Pacific Thanksgiving Classic. In the first two rounds of the tournament UCF fell to Georgetown (77-65) and Duquesne (90-67).

The Golden Knights have been led this season by the frontcourt of Mario Lovett, Paul Reed and Joey Graham. Lovette, who has led or tied for the team lead in scoring in each of the first three games, leads UCF in scoring (15.2 ppg) and is second in rebounding (6.2 rpg). Reed ranks second on the team in scoring (14.8 ppg) and leads the team in rebounding (7.8 rpg) while Graham, a 6-6 freshman, has also played well ranking third on the squad in both scoring (12.2 ppg) and rebounding (5.8 rpg).