Feb. 7, 2007
GREENVILLE, N.C. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Senior forward Josh Peppers (Memphis, Tenn./Whitehaven) recorded a game-high 24 points to lift the UCF men's basketball team to a 67-49 win over East Carolina in Conference USA play at Minges Coliseum on Wednesday evening. The Golden Knights (17-6, 6-3 C-USA) have won two-consecutive games.
Peppers connected on four 3-pointers and was 9-of-10 overall from the field. UCF limited the Pirates (5-17, 0-9) to just 36.2 percent shooting for the game.
"It was a good effort for our guys defensively," said UCF head coach Kirk Speraw. "We had some consistent defensive intensity. Everybody contributed and this was a good win on the road."
The Golden Knights led by three at halftime, but Peppers helped UCF pull away as he had 10 points during a 16-5 run midway through the second period. He went on a personal 10-0 run during the spurt and his layup at the 8:04 mark handed UCF a 49-34 advantage.
UCF shot 50 percent from the floor in the second half and 43.8 percent from the game.
Sophomore guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla./Tavares) scored 17 points off of the bench in the win. Senior forward Lavell Payne (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Dillard) paced the squad with seven rebounds. The Golden Knights went 15-of-16 (93.8 percent) at the free-throw line. The mark on the free-throw line was good for fourth on UCF's single-game percentage register.
The Pirates committed 16 turnovers. Courtney Captain paced the hosts with 15 points. John Fields totaled 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. East Carolina had a 33-28 edge on the glass.
UCF returns to the hardwood on Saturday, hosting Marshall for a league contest. Tip-off at the UCF Arena is set for noon.
For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.