Feb. 22, 2006
ORLANDO - Five Golden Knights finished with double-digits in scoring as the UCF men's basketball team eased to a 69-49 victory over visiting East Carolina in Conference USA play on Wednesday at Torchy Clark Court at UCF Arena. Junior forward Josh Peppers paced UCF (11-13, 5-6 C-USA) with 17 points and six rebounds.
The Golden Knights shot 49.1 percent from the floor for the game, compared to 35.7 percent for the Pirates, who fall to 8-17 overall and 2-10 in the conference. UCF committed a season-low nine turnovers while forcing 17 Pirate turnovers.
"Not only was the win tonight important for this basketball team, but the way we went about it (was important)," said UCF head coach Kirk Speraw. "This started on Monday in practice. We came with good focus and energy on Monday and were able to carry that through Tuesday's practice and into today's ballgame."
UCF used a 10-0 run in the first half to pull away. Senior forward Anthony Williams sparked the run, hitting a jumper at the 12:22 mark. The Pirates were held scoreless for over six minutes during the run and Williams capped the spurt with a basket inside to hand the hosts a 23-11 edge with 7:33 remaining in the half.
The Golden Knights took a 31-21 lead into intermission. Their second half advantage would grow to as many as 27 points.
Williams recorded 12 points for the Golden Knights. Senior guard Justin Rose also scored 12 points and added a career-high six steals. UCF matched a season-high with 11 steals for the game.
Sophomore guard Mike O'Donnell and freshman guard Jermaine Taylor each scored 10 points in the victory. The last time that five UCF players finished with double-figures in scoring came on Jan. 16, 2005 against Troy. The Golden Knights finished with 18 assists, with O'Donnell recording five and Peppers totaling four.
UCF has held three opponents this season to below 50 points, with two coming in league action.
Sam Hinnant and Corey Rouse each scored nine points as no East Carolina player finished with double-digits in scoring. The Pirates made just six field goals in the first half and 15 for the game.
The Golden Knights return to action on Saturday, facing Rice in Houston. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. Eastern.