Jan. 19, 2013
Final Stats
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
Box Score in PDF Format HOUSTON (UCFAthletics.com) - After nearly winning the game with a buzzer beater at the end of regulation, UCF used a dominating overtime performance to post a thrilling 79-75 victory over Houston Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion. The Knights (12-5, 2-1 C-USA) outscored Houston 7-3 in overtime.
In the extra session, the Cougars (12-5, 1-3) got within a point after a Jherrod Stiggers triple, but Isaiah Sykes, who scored a game-high 22 points to go with nine rebounds, scored on a tip-in with 25 seconds left that gave the Knights a 78-75 edge. UCF then had a pair of impressive defensive stops and got two free throws from Tristan Spurlock to escape with the win.
Spurlock drained a deep 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded in regulation and was mobbed by teammates who believed the Knights had a 75-72 win. The officials reviewed the play and after a lengthy debate, declared that the shot left Spurlock's hand too late.
Keith Clanton finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in a career-high 43 minutes. UCF also received a big game from Calvin Newell, who scored 13 of his 15 points after intermission.
"I am really proud of our guys. We talked all week about what it takes to win close games," UCF head coach Donnie Jones said. "Our guys made big plays on both ends of the floor when it mattered. I am so proud of the resiliency."
The Knights were playing for the first time in a week.
Houston raced out to a 9-0 lead to start the game and led by as many as 11 points in the first half. Clanton kept the Knights in the game and his behind-the-back pass to Staphon Blair for a dunk at the 6:13 mark tied the contest at 25. Houston responded with a 10-0 run and took a 37-32 advantage into the break.
UCF shot 50.0 percent overall for the game and forced 18 Houston turnovers.
The hosts led by five points with three minutes left in regulation, but the Knights refused to go away. Kasey Wilson (11 points off the bench) drained a big 3-pointer to get UCF within two points. After a bucket inside by Clanton, Sykes tied the game at 72 with two free throws with 1:27 on the clock. The Cougars had the chance to win the game in regulation, but Clanton forced Tione Womack to step out of bounds with eight seconds left, leading to Spurlock's apparent game-winning trey.
The Cougars were led by Danuel House, who had 15 points and 11 boards.
UCF will return to Orlando to open a two-game homestand Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Rice. The Knights also host SMU next Saturday.