Jan. 21, 2006
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Josh Peppers' defensive heroics in the final seconds Saturday preserved UCF's 45-44 Conference USA victory over Tulsa.
UCF (8-8, 2-1) led by as many as 10 in the second half against Tulsa, though they shot just 22 percent from the floor in that half.
With 1:47 left, Tulsa (7-10, 2-2) came within 45-44 after a three-pointer from Charles Ramsdell - his second in a 37-second span.
Though Anthony Price missed a pair of free throws that would have given the Golden Hurricane the lead, the Knights couldn't take advantage.
With three seconds remaining, Peppers blocked Price's five-foot jump hook.
The block prevented another second-half collapse by the Knights. Central Florida blew a 17-point halftime lead Wednesday at home against South Dakota State.
Anthony Williams was the only UCF player in double figures with 15 points. Justin Rose had six assists.
Ramsdell and Price both finished with 10 points.
Tulsa missed seven of its first eight shots from the floor, allowing UCF to build a 10-2 lead during the first six minutes. Behind Williams' 11 points, UCF led 26-22 at halftime.