Dec. 17, 2013
Final Stats
="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported"> ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported"> UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Doug Richards
UCFKnights.com
Box Score in PDF Format ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - On a night in which the UCF football squad was recognized for its championship season, the men's basketball squad turned in its own dominating performance in a 104-64 victory over Jacksonville Tuesday at CFE Arena. Four Knights (6-3) scored in double figures, led by Tristan Spurlock, who matched a career-high 23 points to go with 11 boards in only 22 minutes.
UCF never trailed during the contest, shot 60.3 percent overall, connected on 13-of-23 3-pointers (46.4 percent) and knocked down 15-of-20 free throws (75.0 percent). The 100-point performance was the first for the Knights since head coach Donnie Jones' first game in Orlando - the 2010-11 season opener.
"I told (our) guys at the beginning of the game that it was time to put two halves together and play well," Jones said. "I thought we came out with great energy. We had some shots go down. I was really proud of how we shared the ball - 20 assists tonight. I know we have a bunch of guys who can score... it is about taking the right shots."
Spurlock had a pair of 3-pointers as the hosts opened the game outscoring the Dolphins (3-6) 17-4. UCF's advantage continued to grow and a putback dunk from Spurlock gave the Knights a 45-16 edge with 5:17 left in the half. UCF took a 54-28 lead into halftime and then built its advantage to as many as 47 points after the break.
UCF and the Dolphins were meeting for the first time since 2009. The victory was the third in a row for the Knights.
Spurlock made 8-of-13 shots from the floor and connected on 3-of-6 3-pointers. Isaiah Sykes added 17 points and a game-high six assists, Matt Williams hit four triples and scored 12 points off the bench and Kasey Wilson added 10 points.
"It wasn't as easy as it looked," Spurlock said. "It is fun playing like that. Everybody was contagious - passing the ball. We looked like a totally different team out there. That is how we have been practicing. It was good to come out like that."
The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl-bound football team was honored at halftime. The squad has enjoyed a special season and enters the Jan. 1 BCS game against Baylor with an 11-1 mark.
Marcel White led the Dolphins with 15 points.
The Knights will return to action Saturday, when play begins at the Jackson Hewitt UCF Holiday Classic. UCF will host Rio Grande at 4 p.m. and then welcome Valparaiso to CFE Arena Sunday at 2:30 p.m.