UCF out to end skid vs. resurgent Utah

UCF goes into its home game with Utah on Sunday on a seven-game losing streak that has affected the perception of coach Johnny Dawkins’ job security.The Knights (13-13, 4-11 Big 12) are coming off a 104-95 loss at Oklahoma State on Wednesday.They have allowed at least 90 points eight times this season. That happened only five times in Dawkins’ previous eight seasons at UCF.UCF’s defense has allowed 80.6 points per game, while opponents are shooting 45.5 percent against them.Keyshawn Hall, the Big 12’s leading scorer at 19.1 points per game, felt compelled to defend Dawkins on social media after the loss to Oklahoma State.”I speak for all of us in saying Coach Dawkins is a great coach and has well prepared us for every game and has gave all he has while pouring into us but we have yet to execute,” Hall wrote.Dawkins, 61, signed a contract extension in June that runs through the 2026-27 season. His career coaching record is 317-231, with 161 of those victories coming at UCF.Dawkins has taken the Knights to the NCAA Tournament once in 2019.Utah (15-11, 7-8) bounced back with wins over then-No. 17 Kansas and Kansas State at home last week after losing five of seven games.

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