Nov. 14, 2015
Box Score
DAVIDSON, N.C. (UCFKnights.com) -- A 12-point, second-half comeback for the UCF men's basketball team put them in position to grab a season-opening win at Davidson College, but the Wildcats leaned on junior Jack Gibbs, who poured in a game-high 35 points, to fend off the Knights, 90-85.
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Davidson carried a 55-45 lead into halftime, but the Knights erased that lead three minutes into the second half with a 12-2 run, tying the game at 57. Redshirt sophomore A.J. Davis, who only played 12 minutes due to foul trouble, put up five points during that span, while freshman Tacko Fall chipped in four.
The two squads went the next three minute without a field goal until Knights junior Justin McBride hit a baseline jumper, giving UCF its first lead of the game since 19:10 in the first half when it was 2-0.
Gibbs then took over the game, scoring the next seven points to push Davidson ahead 69-63.
As late as 1:58 remaining in the game, UCF had the game down to one possession, but the Wildcats' closed out the game from the free throw line, winning 90-85.
HENRIQUEZ LEADS THE KNIGHTS
- Sophomore Adonys Henriquez scored a team-high 18 points, seven rebounds and dished out five assists.
- Henriquez was 4-of-13 shooting and 4-of-8 from three-point range.
- Both his seven rebounds and five assists were career-highs.
BENCH PLAYS BIG ROLE
- The Knights' bench played a big role all game with multiple players being in foul trouble. UCF's bench outscored Davidson's 38-6.
WILLIAMS RETURNS WITH A HOT HAND
- Redshirt junior Matt Williams, who missed the majority of last season due to an injury, came out firing in the first half, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the opening 20 minutes.
- Williams went 4-for-9 from the field and 2-for-5 from behind the arc.
FEARLESS FRESHMAN
- Freshman Chance McSpadden showed no fear against the Wildcats, scoring 11 points and dishing out four assists in 27 minutes of action. Eight of McSpadden's points came in the second half.
THE CHARITY STRIPE
- UCF went to the free throw line more than the Wildcats, but the Knights struggled, making just 18 of 29 attempts (.621).
- On the other hand, Davidson excelled at the line, shooting 21-for-28 (.750).
NEXT UP
The Knights return to CFE Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18 for their 2015-16 home opener against UC Irvine. The game, which tips at 7 p.m., is being labeled as the "Biggest Home Opener in College Basketball" with two 7-foot-6 players in UCF's Tacko Fall and UCI's Mamadou Ndiaye.
Story by Cory Hall; Video by Chip Fontanazza