Nov. 12, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - With one of the best players in school history coaching the opponent, UCF senior center Kenrick Zondervan (Hoofddorp, Holland) knew that the Knights would face a challenge during their exhibition game against Flagler on Tuesday evening. Zondervan was correct and he says that the Knights are better off because the competition.
Behind 31 points from senior guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla.), UCF posted a 76-56 win over the Saints at the UCF Arena. The hosts led 41-30 at halftime and pulled away from Flagler midway through the second period.
Bo Clark, UCF's all-time leading scorer, is in his 23rd campaign as Flagler's head coach. A member of the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame, he was a three-time Division II All-America selection with the Knights. He totaled 2,886 points before concluding his career in 1980.
Zondervan posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Six true freshmen saw action for the Knights against the Saints. Zondervan feels that the way Flagler played will help UCF, and the young players, as it continues to prepare for its season opener.
"I think with the coach coming in, Bo Clark... he wants to win in here," Zondervan said. "He got his guys ready. That is good for us. They gave us everything they had. They didn't get intimidated at all and that is good for our team too."
UCF will open the regular season on Sunday, hosting North Carolina A&T at 1 p.m.
Zondervan believes that some of the positives from the exhibition game, including a 44-30 edge on the boards, mean that UCF is heading in the right direction.
"We definitely made a lot of progress. We have been working really hard in all of the areas that we are not doing good in right now."
Season tickets, which begin at $99, are currently on sale. To order your season tickets today, and to learn more about the Fastbreak Club and other premium seating options, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000.
Notes: Following Tuesday's exhibition contest, the Knights took time to meet with youngsters from the Central Florida Children's Home who attended the game... The game marked the broadcast debut of former UCF standout Mike O'Donnell. O'Donnell is serving as a color analyst for all home games on the UCF ISP Sports Network... The team has the day off Wednesday. The squad will return to the practice court on Thursday afternoon.