Nov. 23, 2004
ORLANDO - Coming off of the BP Top of the World Classic Championship, the Golden Knights return to the UCF Arena for their 2004-05 home opener against Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.
UCF senior guard Gary Johnson was named the Atlantic Sun Men's Basketball Player-of-the-Week on Monday after earning MVP honors at the BP Top of the World Classic, which the Golden Knights won on Sunday. Johnson averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game as UCF topped host Alaska-Fairbanks, Utah State, and New Mexico State to take home the tournament title.
UCF's 3-0 start is the best since head coach Kirk Speraw's first season at the helm. UCF began the year 5-0 and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history as a Division I member. The 3-0 start is the seventh best start in school history. The best start in school history is a 15-0 mark, which happened under Torchy Clark in 1979-80 where UCF went on to finish the year 25-4. The Knights are also looking to win their fourth straight home opener. UCF is currently 18-17 all-time in home openers while coach Speraw is 6-5 in his previous 11 home openers.
Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is currently 0-5 and has a game Tuesday night at Florida Tech. Last season, UCF saw five players reach double figures in the scoring column against the Tarzans. Holdovers Gary Johnson scored 13 points while Josh Peppers scored 11 in his UCF debut and Marcus Avant added 11 for the Golden Knights.
Parking Please note that due to construction surrounding the UCF Arena, parking and traffic flow has been rerouted for spectators.
Spectators could expect delays in parking access and a slightly longer walking path to the UCF Arena.
Parking for basketball season-ticket holders is located on the southeast side of the UCF Arena in the F1 lot.
Basketball General Admission parking is located across Gemini Blvd in the North parking garage and T600 lot. There are no fees for parking and there are signs identifying the parking lots at each entrance.