Feb. 25, 2002

Samford is 2-1 against UCF in the conference tournament. The Golden Knights and the Bulldogs played three straight years in the tournament, twice in championship games, as Samford used wins over UCF to advance to two consecutive NCAA Tournaments.

UCF won the first tournament meeting, a 94-70 Bulldog defeat in 1997-98, Jimmy Tillette's first year. The Bulldogs responded with an 89-61 victory in the 1998-99 tournament, then won again 78-69 in the 1999-2000 championship game.

This season the teams split their two meetings, Samford winning 59-58 in Birmingham and UCF winning 72-56 in Orlando.

Prior to Thursday's game, Samford alumni and fans are invited to a pre-game gathering at 3 p.m. at the UCF Radisson, 1724 Alafaya Trail (407) 658-9008.