Feb. 17, 2005
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Josh Peppers scored 22 points and Justin Rose came off the bench with 15 points and five rebounds to lead Central Florida to a 79-65 win over Mercer on Thursday night.
The Golden Knights (17-8, 10-7 Atlantic Sun Conference) continued a strong late-season surge with their fifth victory in the last six games. It was UCF's fourth victory in its last five meetings with the Bears.
UCF led by as many as 21 points, but Mercer (13-11, 8-9) rallied in the second half to cut the deficit to 50-41 with 9:58 left following a 3-pointer by James Odoms. The Golden Knights never let the Bears get any closer, eventually pushing the lead back to as many 19.
Gary Johnson scored 14 points and had nine assists for the Golden Knights.
Will Emerson led Mercer with 16 points.
The Golden Knights won despite limited play from two of their best inside players. Marcus Johnson missed most of the first half with an eye injury and Anthony Williams fouled out with 15:14 left in the game.