Dec. 22, 2015
Daiquan Walker posted a double-double to surge the Knights back from an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat Bethune-Cookman in overtime, 101-96, on Tuesday night.
Related: Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (HTML)
After a sluggish first half on both ends of the court, the Knights found themselves trailing the Wildcats, 39-26. The 13-point deficit was applauded by the crowd of 3,734 fans since UCF had been down by 18 with three minutes remaining in the half.
Headed into the second half, focus and toughness were points of emphasis head coach Donnie Jones needed to see out of his team if they wanted to come back, and that is exactly what the sixth-year coach got.
UCF came out pressing the Wildcats and went on a 12-2 run to claw back into the game.
Senior Shaheed Davis played a big role early in the second half, scoring eight of his 20 points in the first two minutes of the half.
Momentum completely shifted at 17:22 when Matt Williams sank his first three of the game, giving the Knights their first lead of the game at 44-43.
Following the three pointer, B-CU called a timeout to break up the Knights momentum, but three minutes later, UCF was back at it with another big run.
With 13:40 remaining in regulation, the Knights went on a 16-2 run that spanned over five minutes, taking a 68-51 lead with 8:36 left in the second half.
But the Wildcats didn't bow down as B-CU's Jordan Potts singlehandedly pulled his team back into the game with long-range three pointers and shifty layups. With two minutes remaining, the 5-foot-10 guard took the game into his own hands, scoring 14 of his game-high 35 points in the final two minutes of regulation, including a game-tying three at the end of the second half to force overtime.
But it was a Knights' guard that had the last laugh in Walker. The senior took control in overtime to guide UCF to a 101-96 victory, scoring 10 of his team-high 21 points. Walker drained two treys along with sinking four free throws at the end of extra time to solidify the win.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE
- Walker recorded his first career double-double, scoring 21 points and dishing out 10 assists.
- His 21 points matches a career-high, while his assists are a new personal best.
STROKING IT FROM THE CHARITY STRIPE
- The difference in the game was the Knights shooting 83.7 percent from the free throw line, making 36-of-43 shots.
- For the first time since Jan. 12, 2008, UCF made 30 or more free throws in a game (30 vs. Tulane).
- A.J. Davis was one of four players to go perfect from the charity stripe, making all seven free throws.
- Walker also had a good night, going 9-for-10 from the line.
SHARING THE ROCK
- UCF had five players reach double figures on Tuesday night.
- Walker led the team in scoring with 21 points, while S. Davis tallied 20.
- Adonys Henriquez and Matt Williams each chipped in 13, and A.J. Davis added 11.