Nov. 26, 2013
Final Stats
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By Doug Richards
UCFKnights.com
Box Score in PDF FormatVALPARAISO, Ind. (UCFKnights.com) - Facing a Valparaiso team that won 26 games a year ago and has lost just five home contests in the last three seasons, the UCF men's basketball team was unable to get into a rhythm Tuesday as the Knights suffered an 85-70 loss at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The Crusaders (4-3) shot 54.2 percent from the field and never trailed during the contest.
Valpo built a big lead early and then made 20-of-22 free throws in the second half to prevent the Knights (3-2) from extending their two-game winning streak.
The contest was the second of three straight on the road for the Knights, who will conclude the stretch next Tuesday in Boca Raton at FAU. On Thursday, UCF topped Miami, 63-58, in Coral Gables to post just their second win in 26 tries over an ACC program.
After trailing by eight points at halftime at Valpo, UCF got no closer than seven points in the second half. Five Crusaders finished with double figures in scoring, led by Alec Peters with 16 points. For the game, the hosts attempted 33 free throws, making 27 (81.8 percent)
"We can't foul that much. They went to the line and they are a terrific free-throw shooting team," UCF head coach Donnie Jones said. "Give Valpo credit. They moved the ball around and shared the ball. Tonight we just couldn't get stops. Defense has to win it for you some nights, and tonight we just were not able to do that."
Calvin Newell led UCF with 16 points and Kasey Wilson added 15 points.
Valpo opened the game with some strong play offensively and the hosts led 30-16 on thanks to 60-percent shooting to start the contest. UCF hung around and then used a 9-0 run late in the period to stay in the game, getting big buckets from Wilson and Steven Haney during the spurt. The Crusaders shot 55.6 percent in the opening stanza and took a 41-33 edge into the break.
UCF and Valpo will meet again this year as the Crusaders will visit Orlando for the Jackson Hewitt Holiday Classic and face the host Knights on Dec. 22.
The Knights shot 40.9 percent from the floor. Tristan Spurlock added 10 points and team-high seven boards for UCF.