Final Stats
Photo Gallery
Nov. 21, 2004
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Josh Peppers came off the bench and scored all 12 of his points in the final 11 minutes to lead UCF to a 62-58 victory over New Mexico State Sunday in the championship game of the BP Top of the World Classic. The Golden Knights (3-0) led the Aggies (2-1) for all but a brief period in the second half.
Tournament most valuable player Gary Johnson led UCF with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
UCF led 23-19 at the half but New Mexico State rallied to tie the score 38-38 and grabbed the lead briefly on Allen Haynes' 3-pointer, which made it 43-40 Aggies.
But the Golden Knights answered with an 11-3 run and made 9-of-12 free throws in the final 2 minutes to preserve the victory.
Robert Frazier led the Aggies with 12 points, while Mike Mitchell contributed 10 points.
Peppers was not even expected to play after missing Saturday's semifinal game against Utah State with a sore shoulder. He injured his right shoulder in the opening round matchup against Alaska Fairbanks Thursday.
Forward Anthony Williams also earned a spot on the Top of the World Classic All-Tournament team.
Under Kirk Speraw, the Golden Knights are now 11-2 in their last 13 tournament games with three tournament championships.