At an imposing 6-foot-9 and nearly 250 pounds, Staphon Blair has the look of someone who can make a major contribution for the Knights this upcoming season. And now with a year of college experience, the big man has the potential to be a factor in the paint in 2013-14.

Blair has only been playing organized basketball for a few years after moving to Fort Lauderdale from Jamaica and used last season to get acclimated to playing on the Division I level. He appeared in 29 games, making one start, and averaged 1.9 points in 7.2 minutes per game.

He logged 11 minutes against No. 17 Memphis at home, and utilized his time to show UCF's fans his potential. Blair scored four points against the Tigers and had a huge block on a Joe Jackson dunk attempt.

Despite his efficient performance against Memphis, perhaps his best moments came during practice each day when he battled Keith Clanton, the best big man in program history. Blair should benefit from defending a crafty offensive player like Clanton and also from trying to score on UCF's all-time leading shot blocker.

Blair has great size, strength and potential. With Clanton's collegiate career now over, he will have the chance to earn more minutes utilize his opportunity to make an impact as a sophomore.

As a junior in 2012-13, Isaiah Sykes developed into one of the most versatile players in the country. Sykes led the nation with two triple-doubles and put up impressive stat lines nearly every game.

The Detroit native finished the year by averaging 16.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.3 steals in 35.4 minutes an outing. The dynamic Sykes played nearly every position on the floor, including ample time at point guard.

Playing the position for the first time on the collegiate level, the 6-foot-5 Sykes did his best each night and carried the Knights many games. He scored in double figures 27 times and had 12 20-point performances.

Sykes was recognized for his stellar all-around play with All-Conference USA First Team, NABC All-District 11 First Team and C-USA All-Defensive Team honors.

Following the season, Sykes declared for the NBA Draft, but withdrew his name for consideration in April. What is next for him as a Knight?

For starters, he will have the chance to showcase his game and abilities on a larger stage. When the Knights make their debut in the American Athletic Conference in 2013-14, UCF will face the toughest schedule in program history with contests against defending national champion Louisville, UConn, Cincinnati, Memphis and Temple. The team will play on television more often and a national audience will learn more about Sykes.

Additionally, he will have the opportunity to continue to handle the ball and show off his play-making abilities. Daiquan Walker is back for his sophomore year and will handle most of the point-guard duties, but Sykes will again have the chance to log time with the ball in his hands. He recorded 141 assists a year ago, but is working to cut down on his turnovers (109).

Finally, Sykes will have the chance to finish his career as one of the greatest players (and winners) in school history. Since the program moved to the Division I level in 1984, no Knight has been a member of four-straight 20-win teams. Sykes has that opportunity.

And with Sykes back, the Knights have the opportunity to make some noise in their first year in The American.

Matt Williams had an incredible college debut. After missing UCF's first five games of the 2012-13 campaign while recovering from an illness, Williams had a performance to remember against Florida Tech. The shooting guard played only 13 minutes off the bench, but finished with a team-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

In limited minutes, Williams drained 3-pointer after 3-pointer in the victory. His performance was good enough to earn the Orlando native the Conference USA Freshman of the Week award.

The traits that Williams displayed in his debut - a quick release, accurate shot and great feel for the game - helped the Jones High School product average 5.0 points in 15.6 minutes during the season. He appeared in all 26 games after his return and did most of his scoring from long distance. Thirty-seven of his 42 field goals came from 3-point range.

Williams hopes to show a more well-rounded game this upcoming season. A deceptively good athlete, he has the ability to get to the basket and can handle the ball if needed as well.

Williams can also earn minutes with his play on the defensive end. In UCF's memorable home win over Southern Miss, he logged 29 minutes and was on the floor at the end of the game thanks to his ability to guard on the perimeter.

With a continued focus on defense and focus on his all-around game, Williams can show in 2013-14 that he is more than just a knock-down shooter from deep.

Matt Williams had an incredible college debut. After missing UCF's first five games of the 2012-13 campaign while recovering from an illness, Williams had a performance to remember against Florida Tech. The shooting guard played only 13 minutes off the bench, but finished with a team-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

In limited minutes, Williams drained 3-pointer after 3-pointer in the victory. His performance was good enough to earn the Orlando native the Conference USA Freshman of the Week award.

The traits that Williams displayed in his debut - a quick release, accurate shot and great feel for the game - helped the Jones High School product average 5.0 points in 15.6 minutes during the season. He appeared in all 26 games after his return and did most of his scoring from long distance. Thirty-seven of his 42 field goals came from 3-point range.

Williams hopes to show a more well-rounded game this upcoming season. A deceptively good athlete, he has the ability to get to the basket and can handle the ball if needed as well.

Williams can also earn minutes with his play on the defensive end. In UCF's memorable home win over Southern Miss, he logged 29 minutes and was on the floor at the end of the game thanks to his ability to guard on the perimeter.

With a continued focus on defense and focus on his all-around game, Williams can show in 2013-14 that he is more than just a knock-down shooter from deep.

Who knows how UCF's 2012-13 campaign would have ended had Tristan Spurlock been able to compete for the Knights in their final three contests of the year. Due to an injury, the forward was unable to play at home against No. 17 Memphis and at UAB and Southern Miss.

The Knights picked up a win against the Blazers, but came close to knocking off Memphis and Southern Miss, two Conference USA squads that participated in the NCAA Tournament and the NIT, respectively.

Spurlock's absence was especially felt against the Tigers in a nationally televised game at the UCF Arena. Without Spurlock in the starting lineup, the Knights had little depth and Keith Clanton (39), Calvin Newell (38) and Isaiah Sykes (35) all logged major minutes. UCF battled to the end before falling 76-67.

Despite missing those final three games, Spurlock had a breakout season as a junior. The Virginia native averaged 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds, both career highs. He scored in double figures on 18 occasions and had three double-doubles. Spurlock led the team with 39 3-pointers and was second on the squad with 23 blocks.

What bodes well for Spurlock entering his senior year was his play during C-USA competition. He increased his output to 12.9 points and 6.5 boards against league opponents.

The vocal Spurlock will have more of a leadership role in 2013-14 as the Knights move to the American Athletic Conference. As a junior, he proved that he can score inside and outside and also rebound the ball. For the Knights to be successful against tougher competition, Spurlock will again have to step up and perform to the best of his ability.

As the lone true point guard on the UCF roster, Daiquan Walker appeared in all 31 games as a freshman last year, making 18 starts. He started 15 of 16 Conference USA contests and averaged 4.0 points and 1.6 assists in 20.9 minutes per game during the year.

Like A.J. Rompza in 2008-09, Walker was forced into major minutes as a rookie at one of the game's toughest positions due to a lack of depth. He ably handled the point guard duties while sharing time at the position with both Isaiah Sykes and Calvin Newell, two players who are better off the ball.

Walker logged some big minutes early in the season before Newell became eligible in mid-December. He played 31 minutes against Middle Tennessee and spent 34 minutes on the court at No. 7 Florida.

Walker shot the ball well from 3-point range in 2012-13, making 30-of-75 (40.0 percent) of his attempts. He will have to cut down on his turnovers as a sophomore, but should make strides with his game this offseason.

As one of eight returning letterwinners for the Knights this upcoming season, Walker should benefit from the team's continuity. And there is no doubt that logging considerable minutes as a freshman will only help the point guard.

As a freshman in 2011-12, Kasey Wilson attempted 24 3-pointers, making eight triples while averaging 3.1 points and 2.2 boards. A year later, the forward was one of the best long-distance shooters in the country.

This past season, Wilson shot 50.0 percent from deep, connecting on 42-of-84 shots. His 3-point percentage was good for fifth nationally according to ESPN.com. His shooting numbers, as well as his other statistics (9.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in just under 25 minutes an outing), show the strides that Wilson made as a sophomore.

In 2012-13, Wilson benefited offensively from Keith Clanton, who attracted frequent double and triple teams in the post. The power forward often kicked the ball out to his teammate, who knocked down open shots. Clanton will not be around this upcoming season to setup Wilson, but do not expect Wilson's production to go down.

Some of Wilson's best games last season came at the end of the year when he re-entered the starting lineup and did more than just drain triples. Against No. 17 Memphis at home, he scored 11 points and added six boards. In the win at UAB, Wilson drained four treys and finished with 15 points and nine boards.

This summer he is working to make sure performances like that are the norm. Last offseason, Wilson worked on his shooting. The results were impressive. Now he is working to develop a well-rounded game, focusing on strength training, rebounding, ball-handling and defense. If he succeeds in improving those areas, Wilson will prove as junior that he is more than just an accurate shooter from deep.

The 2012-13 campaign was filled with expected adjustments for Calvin Newell. A transfer from Oklahoma, Newell became eligible seven contests into the season after not playing a competitive game for a full year. He used the latter part of UCF's non-league schedule to adjust to his new teammates and get acclimated to playing competitively again.

The 6-foot-1 Philadelphia native played both point and shooting guard and made 24 starts on the year. He averaged 11.1 points during the season and in Conference USA contests, upped his scoring average to 12.9 points per game, good for 18th in the league.

At times a year ago, he exhibited his prolific scoring ability. His 24-point outing vs. Rice and 17-point performance at Old Dominion showed that Newell is a special offensive talent. Now that Newell has adjusted to UCF, those types of outings could become more common during his senior campaign in 2013-14.

Dylan Karell saw limited minutes as a freshman, but the UCF coaching staff has high hopes for the big man from Miami. As a result, the offseason is pivotal for Karell and the Knights, who enter 2013-14 without the services of Keith Clanton, perhaps the best post player in program history.

Karell certainly will not be expected to replace Clanton, who averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 boards as a senior in 2012-13. Still, the sophomore should be in line for more minutes this upcoming season. As a rookie, Karell averaged 0.9 points and 0.8 boards in 4.4 minutes an outing. He appeared in 20 contests and made all eight of his shots from the floor.

In games, Karell rarely had the opportunity to show off the sneaky athleticism and on-point passing that he often displayed during practices. With the opportunity for more minutes this year and the potential for growth during the offseason, expect Karell to make some positive contributions and show off more than just a unique hairstyle.

On Tuesday, Keith Clanton will head to Virginia for the Portsmouth Invitational, a four-day event which will allow the former UCF star to play in front of representatives from every NBA team. The forward is one of 64 players who received an invitation to the P.I.T.

Clanton's team will open the tournament Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Orlando native's teammates include Belmont's Ian Clark, Arizona's Mark Lyons, BYU's Brandon Davies and Kansas' Elijiah Johnson.

UCF's career leader in rebounds, blocks, games played and starts, Clanton averaged 14.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.5 assists and 2.0 blocks as a senior in 2012-13 and was named to the NABC All-District 11 First Team and the All-Conference USA Second Team. He helped lead the Knights to their third-straight 20-win campaign and finished his career as one of only two players in C-USA history with at least 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

Since the P.I.T. was established in 1953, dozens of participants have gone on to play in the NBA, including Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, Tim Hardaway, Scottie Pippen, Terry Porter, John Stockton and Ben Wallace.

Last year, several P.I.T. participants earned NBA training camp invitations, including Kyle O'Quinn with the Orlando Magic. Former UCF star Jermaine Taylor participated in the P.I.T. before he was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

After playing in Spain, China and Israel earlier this season, former UCF star Jermaine Taylor appears happy to be back in the United States. The guard recently signed with the Maine Red Claws in the NBA D-League and is off to a sensational start with his new team.

Taylor has appeared in three contests for Maine and is averaging 23.7 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the floor.

On Wednesday evening in a road contest against the Canton Charge, Taylor was unstoppable. He scored 34 points on 14-of-29 shooting. He also recorded five steals in the game.

Taylor is not the only individual with UCF connections on the Red Claws. Former assistant director of basketball operations J.P. Clark is an assistant coach with Maine.

The final edition of the 2012-13 Donnie Jones Radio Show is scheduled for Monday at Buffalo Wild Wings on University Blvd., and the head coach takes a look back at an emotional Senior Night at UCF Arena as well as what is in store for the Knights this week. The hour-long show begins at 7 p.m. and fans are invited to listen in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

Keith Clanton, Bobby Horodysky and Robert King III were honored before last Saturday's game against Memphis before Clanton went out and delivered 29 points in his final contest in front of the UCF faithful.

UCF wraps up the season with a pair of road games this week. It first visits UAB Wednesday at 7 p.m. on CSS before traveling to Southern Miss for a Saturday matchup at 8 p.m.

Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones is back on the air Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network. This week's show will feature the UCF freshman from the City of Brotherly Love, Daiquan Walker.

A starter in 17 games in just his first season at the collegiate level, Walker ranks second on the team in 3-point field-goal percentage (41.2) while dishing out 46 assists. He also has 13 steals and 55 rebounds to his credit.

Along with highlights from the Knights' two home games, this week's program also takes a look back at Senior Night as Keith Clanton, Bobby Horodyski and Robert King III put on the Black and Gold uniform one final time at UCF Arena.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

To watch past features, visit the Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones YouTube page.

To learn more about the show, follow @IUCFB on Twitter.

Keith Clanton and the Knights will play their final home game of the year when they host 17th-ranked Memphis Saturday.

• @UofMTigersHoops (24-4, 13-0 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (19-9, 8-5 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 1 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch on Fox Sports Net @FoxSports
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF will be hosting a ranked opponent for the first time at the UCF Arena#TopTeam
• The Knights are seeking their 3rd-straight 20-win campaign#3Peat
• After he is honored during senior day, Keith Clanton will make his 119th-straight start #ThankYouKeith
• UCF's lone win vs. Memphis came last year in Orlando#HopingforaRepeat
• #UCF is fourth nationally, averaging only 13.5 fouls per game#KeepingitClean
• #UCF and Memphis are the lone C-USA teams to own two wins over top-50 RPI squads this year#FacingChallenges
• Isaiah Sykes needs only 23 points to become the 17th 1,000-point scorer in program history#ChasingHistory
• Clanton needs only four boards to pass Tulsa's Jerome Jordan for 4th on the C-USA career list#WindexMan
• Kasey Wilson ranks 4th nationally in 3-point percentage at 50.7#TreySongz
• Tristan Spurlock averaged 2.0 blocks in UCF's last 3 games#GetOuttaHere

Jan. 18, 2012 vs. Memphis
Clanton recorded one of the most memorable plays in school history, giving the Knights a 68-67 win over the Tigers. Trailing by two points with four seconds to play, Clanton corralled an offensive rebound off a missed free throw and finished a layup as he was fouled to tie the game. Clanton calmly sank the go-ahead free throw to provide the winning point for the host Knights and give UCF its first win over the Tigers. The clutch play capped a 23-point, eight-rebound night for Clanton and caused the raucous student section at the UCF Arena to rush the court after the final buzzer sounded.

One of the greatest players in school history, Keith Clanton will play his final home game on Saturday when the Knights host No. 17 Memphis at 1 p.m. at the UCF Arena.

Nov. 24, 2011 vs. College of Charleston
Clanton made sure that the Knights opened the Battle4Atlantis in the Bahamas on a strong note. He scored 28 points and added 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a 74-63 win over College of Charleston, a team that was coming off of a big victory at Clemson. The Orlando native shot 12-of-17 overall and 2-of-3 from 3-point range, helping the Knights gain momentum heading into their matchup with No. 4 UConn the following day.

One of the greatest players in school history, Keith Clanton will play his final home game on Saturday when the Knights host No. 17 Memphis at 1 p.m. at the UCF Arena.

Dec. 12, 2012 vs. Bethune-Cookman
Clanton scored a then-career-high 30 points on 14-of-15 shooting in the win over the Wildcats. The Orlando native, who also grabbed 13 boards, recorded the best shooting performance by a Division I player nationally since 2008.

One of the greatest players in school history, Keith Clanton will play his final home game on Saturday when the Knights host No. 17 Memphis at 1 p.m. at the UCF Arena.

Dec. 17, 2011 vs. Old Dominion
The forward showed off his complete game in the win over the Monarchs. He finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks and a pair of steals. Clanton made all three of his 3-point attempts and gave the fans inside the UCF Arena plenty to cheer about.

One of the greatest players in school history, Keith Clanton will play his final home game on Saturday when the Knights host Memphis at 1 p.m. at the UCF Arena.

With four games remaining this season, UCF takes a break from its Conference USA schedule to host Georgia Southwestern.

• Georgia Southwestern (12-13) vs. @UCFMBasketball (18-9)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF will be playing its final non-league game of the year#OutofConferenceAction
• The game is the latest non-conference contest for the Knights since 1990#LateKnights
• The Knights have their second and final C-USA midweek bye of the year #ByeBye
• #UCF is seeking its 15th home win of the year#HomeHappiness
• The Knights are 10-4 against non-league opponents this year #Aimingfor11
• Isaiah Sykes averaged 22.5 points and 9.0 boards last week#WhataWeek
• Sykes needs 34 points to reach the 1,000-point mark for his career#ChasingHistory
• 26 of Matt Williams' 31 3-pointers this year have coma at home#ThreesCompany
• Keith Clanton made 9-of-12 free throws in Saturday's win over Tulsa#OnTarget
• Tristan Spurlock is averaging 11.3 point this year after entering the season with a 5.8 points per game average#MuchtoImprove

Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones returns to Bright House Sports Network Monday at 10:30 p.m. This week's show includes features on a pair of Knights from south Florida - sophomore Rod Days and freshman Dylan Karell.

Assistant coach Brendan Suhr, who prior to joining the UCF staff three years ago, spent nearly three decades as a coach in the NBA, will also be profiled during the program. The show includes a feature that gives viewers a glimpse into life on the road with the Knights and highlights from the win over Tulsa and contest vs. Marshall.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

To watch past features, visit the Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones YouTube page.

To learn more about the show, follow @IUCFB on Twitter.

Nov. 25, 2011 vs. No. 4 UConn
Clanton scored 20 points as the Knights overcame a 17-point second-half deficit to knock off the defending national champions at the Battle4Atlantis in the Bahamas. Facing a huge front line that included future NBA Lottery Pick Andre Drummond, he made 6-of-12 shots from the field and also connected on all four of his free-throw attempts.

One of the greatest players in school history, Keith Clanton will play his final home game on Saturday when the Knights host Memphis at 1 p.m. at the UCF Arena.

Offense
- The Knights had an attacking mentality all game. The best way to track that is the free-throw line. Knights went 31-for-42 for the game.
- Best stat line of the night was the 14 assists to only 9 turnovers.
- When Spurlock crashes the offensive glass the entire game changes drastically. He has a unique ability to find the ball anywhere around the rim when a shot goes up. Btw, that offensive goal-tending call was bogus. #Spurlockandload
- Cliche statement of the game... "Sykes is just a beast." 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Just your average game #Sykesyouout
- I really like the mentality of Matt Williams when he enters the game. #zonebuster
- Clanton was double teamed all night and still managed to sneak in 15 points. Plus those 4 assists to added insult to injury to Tulsa's ever-changing defense. #BITB33
- The court vision of Walker continues to improve. Excellent lob pass from halfcourt to Clanton on a fastbreak. #Walkeritout

Defense
- Tulsa is undersized so they rely on the three-point line as one of their main weapons. They hit 8 but took 24.
- Three big time blocks from Spurlock. #Nosoupforyou
- Who says Clanton does not have cat like reflexes? Well, I say that, but he still had 4 crucial steals. #cookies #imjealousofthebeard
- Limited but great minutes from Blair. He has a very good motor and continues to improve everyday in practice. #BlairKnightProject
- Knights won the rebounding battle as well as the deflection line. 29 deflections for the game!

Intangibles
- Tulsa is a young and inexperienced team that will be a force in C-USA in the future. Kansas legend and former NBA All-Star Danny Manning will excel at Tulsa.
- Song of the Day goes, once again, to Suit and Tie by Justin Timberlake. I think that may be the frontrunner song for the first dance at my wedding. I'll see what the fiance says... pray for me.
- Best dressed award easily goes to UCF men's basketball manager Wade He Jiang. Wade was seen sporting possibly the greatest ever bifocals known to man. He said when in doubt always trust in Lens Crafters. Thank you Wade for inspiring us all.
- I always get sad when Team Calzone does not win the Mellow Mushroom relay race.
- Finally bought my Gauntlet t-shirt. Keep bring the noise fellas! #ifyoubuildittheywillcome
- See you on Tuesday Knight fans!!

The Donnie Jones Radio Show returns Monday at Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard near campus. UCF fans are invited to attend the show in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels from 7-8 p.m.

The show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

UCF has its final two home games of the season this week. The Knights face Georgia Southwestern Tuesday and then have a huge showdown with No. 19 Memphis Saturday.

The Donnie Jones Radio Show returns Monday at Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard near campus. UCF fans are invited to attend the show in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels from 7-8 p.m.

The show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

UCF has its final two home games of the season this week. The Knights face Georgia Southwestern Tuesday and then have a huge showdown with No. 19 Memphis Saturday.

UCF continues its homestand Saturday when it hosts Tulsa at the UCF Arena.

• @TUMBasketball (14-12, 6-6 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (17-9, 7-5 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF will be playing the second game of a four-contest homestand#HomeAgain
• The Knights are 5-1 against the Golden Hurricane in Orlando#HometownHope
• #UCF reserves played a combined 50 minutes vs. Marshall Wednesday#GoingDeeper
• The Knights have 120 blocks this season, compared to 76 for their foes#ASwatTeam
• Isaiah Sykes has 118 assists this year after recording 65 a year ago#SharetheRock
• Sykes leads C-USA in steals per game overall (2.1) and in league contests (2.4) this year #ManofSteal
• Sykes had 23 points vs. Marshall and has 9 20-point performances in 2012-13#TheScore
• Daiquan Walker is shooting 41.9 percent from deep, good for 8th in C-USA #3XDope
• Tristan Spurlock had a career high five steals vs. Marshall Wednesday #SwipeTime
• Calvin Newell is averaging 14.0 points in C-USA after averaging 8.3 in non-league games#StepItUp

UCF continues its homestand Saturday when it hosts Tulsa at the UCF Arena.

• @TUMBasketball (14-12, 6-6 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (17-9, 7-5 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF will be playing the second game of a four-contest homestand#HomeAgain
• The Knights are 5-1 against the Golden Hurricane in Orlando#HometownHope
• #UCF reserves played a combined 50 minutes vs. Marshall Wednesday#GoingDeeper
• The Knights have 120 blocks this season, compared to 76 for their foes#ASwatTeam
• Isaiah Sykes has 118 assists this year after recording 65 a year ago#SharetheRock
• Sykes leads C-USA in steals per game overall (2.1) and in league contests (2.4) this year #ManofSteal
• Sykes had 23 points vs. Marshall and has 9 20-point performances in 2012-13#TheScore
• Daiquan Walker is shooting 41.9 percent from deep, good for 8th in C-USA #3XDope
• Tristan Spurlock had a career high five steals vs. Marshall Wednesday #SwipeTime
• Calvin Newell is averaging 14.0 points in C-USA after averaging 8.3 in non-league games#StepItUp

After spending last week on the road, the Knights are back in Orlando to open a four-game homestand.

• @HerdZone (11-15, 4-7 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (17-8, 7-4 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• Keith Clanton will appear in his 124th contest Wednesday and will become UCF's sole leader in games played #Longevity
• #UCF will be playing in its 100th contest at the UCF Arena#HomeSweetHome
• The home team has won each of the last 6 series matchups#NoLoveOntheRoad
• The Knights are 5-2 against Marshall in Orlando#SunshineSuccess
• #UCF is 5-0 at home in league play this season#AwesomeinOrlando
• Isaiah Sykes has scored in double digits in 21 of 25 games played#SeeingDouble
• Clanton needs one board to move to fifth on the C-USA career rebounds chart#OntheWayUp
• Clanton has made 115-consecutive starts#OurCalRipken
• In 2 games last week, Daiquan Walker averaged 12.5 points#WelcomeFreshman
• 26 of Walker's 36 made field goals this year have been from 3-point range#DialingInFromLongDistance

Through hard work and continued improvement, Isaiah Sykes has developed into one of the most well-rounded players in the country. The Detroit native, who leads the nation with two triple-doubles this season, will be featured during Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones, which airs on Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network.

Sykes leads the team in scoring (15.5), rebounds (8.1) and assists (4.1) in Conference USA play. He has scored in double digits in 21 of 25 contests in 2012-13.

This week's program also includes features on athletic trainer Andrew Reber and the Knightmare student setion, as well as highlights from recent games at No. 22 Memphis and UTEP.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

To watch past features, visit the Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones YouTube page.

To learn more about the show, follow @IUCFB on Twitter.

UCF opens a four-game homestand this week and fans can learn more about the Knights as they approach the conclusion of the season during the Donnie Jones Radio Show Monday. Fans can attend in person from 7-8 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard near campus and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

UCF hosts Marshall Wednesday and ends the week at home against Tulsa Saturday.

The Knights will conclude their long road trip Saturday evening against UTEP in El Paso.

• @UTEPAthletics (13-10, 6-4 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (17-7, 7-3 C-USA)
• 
  
• Don Haskins Center - El Paso, Texas - 9 p.m. Eastern
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF has won 2 straight against the Miners in El Paso#TheWesternWay
• #UCF has not lost back-to-back C-USA contests this year #BouncingBack
• The Knights are averaging 71.5 points, compared to 64.0 for the Miners#PointDifferential
• #UCF is 4-4 on the road this season, after going 3-9 a year ago#NoVacation
• In UCF's last game at UTEP in 2011, Keith Clanton totaled 15 points and 13 boards#DoubleTrouble
• Clanton will tie Josh Peppers for first on the UCF career games played list with 123 Saturday #Longevity
• Clanton needs 10 boards to move to fifth on the C-USA career rebounds list #MovingUptheCharts
• Isaiah Sykes leads C-USA with 2.0 steals per contest#TakeAway
• Daiquan Walker's 14 points at No. 22 Memphis were the most scored by the guard since Dec. 1#HelloFreshman
• Tristan Spurlock is averaging 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in league play#SteppingUp

The Knights are in Memphis to face the No. 22 Tigers, a team that has won 14-straight games and is hard to beat at home.

• @UofMTigersHoops (20-3, 9-0 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (17-6, 7-2 C-USA)
• 
  
• FedEx Forum - Memphis, Tenn. - 8 p.m. Eastern
• 
  
• Watch on CBS Sports Network @CBSSportsNet
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF will be facing a ranked team in league play for the first time since 2008 when it played at No. 1 Memphis #Top25Foes
• #UCF is seeking its first conference win over a ranked foe in program history#LookingforHistory
• The Knights have won 6 of their last 7 contests#OnaRoll
• #UCF is playing the first of two road games this week as the Knights face host UTEP Saturday #RoadTripTime
• #UCF is the lone C-USA squad with two top-50 RPI wins this year - Belmont (20), Southern Miss (46)#BigWins
• Isaiah Sykes is the lone player in the nation with two triple-doubles this season#TripleTrouble
• Sykes is the only player ranked in the C-USA top 10 in points, rebounds and assists#MrDoItAll
• Keith Clanton needs 13 boards to move to 5th on the C-USA career rebounds chart #AllConferenceRebounder
• Clanton is averaging 18.4 points on the road compared to 14.9 points at home this year#TheAwayTeam
• Calvin Newell ranks 9th in C-USA games averaging 14.6 points#TheScore

Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones, which airs Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network, includes a feature story on freshman guard Matt Williams. The Orlando native is averaging 5.1 points and has hit 25 3-pointers this season.

This week's show also includes stories on UCF staff members Adam Williams and Joey Rodriguez and will allow viewers to see a day in the life of Jones.

UCF picked up a pair of memorable victories last week and the show will have highlights from the home wins over Southern Miss and East Carolina.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

To watch past features, visit the Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones YouTube page.

To learn more about the show, follow @IUCFB on Twitter.

The UCF men's basketball team is rolling and head coach Donnie Jones will talk about his squad's success during his radio show Monday at Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard near campus. Fans are invited to attend the show, which begins at 7 p.m., and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The program airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

This past week, the Knights knocked off Southern Miss and snapped the Golden Eagles' 10-game winning streak and then handled East Carolina behind a triple-double from Isaiah Sykes.

The Knights play at Memphis, a program receiving votes in both top-25 polls and riding a 14-game winning streak, Wednesday and then conclude the week on the road at UTEP Saturday.

UCF picked up a big win Wednesday over Southern Miss and will conclude its two-game homestand Saturday vs. East Carolina.

• @ECUPirateHoops (13-8, 4-4 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (16-6, 6-2 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF has won five straight games at home #AwesomeinOrlando
• The Knights have claimed five of their last six games overall#SurgingSquad
• #UCF has nine regular-season games remaining#ClosingStretch
• The Knights and Pirates will be meeting for the 20th time#NotStrangers
• #UCF blocked a season high 11 shots Wednesday vs. Southern Miss#SwatTeam
• #UCF is first in C-USA in 3-point field goal percentage defense at 27.4 in league play #ThreeD
• Keith Clanton needs 1 board to become the sole career leader in program history#OneMoreBoard
• Isaiah Sykes has scored in double figures in 18 of 22 games this season#SeeingDouble
• Calvin Newell ranks 8th in Conference USA in play in scoring at 14.8 #TheScore
• Matt Williams played a career high 29 minutes Wednesday vs. Southern Miss#WelcomeFreshman

Offense
- The huge stat line of the night goes to the 17-second chance points by the Knights. Second-chance points are a great demonstrator of effort.
- Great game for Tristan Spurlock! 18 points, 5 offensive rebounds, and a huge 2-handed tip dunk late in the second half. #SpurlockDropandPopIt
- Southern Miss's defense is very, very good. It is hard to prepare for because it is not an old-school fundamental zone. They used a three-quarter court press and would drop back into an "amoeba" type 2-3 zone. Donnie Jones was forced to use unconventional offensive schemes to score some buckets. Preparation is the mother of victory #PITMOV
- Isaiah Sykes was an absolute man-child in the second half. He made types buckets that pro scouts drool over. Stat line = 12points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists. #SykesYouOut
- Matt Williams might have the quickest release this side of the Mississippi. He was a huge spark plug off the bench with 3 deep three-pointers. #handdownmandown
- Calvin Newell continues to gain confidence in his play. He initiated three fast breaks that changed the momentum in the second half.

Defense
- The knights held SoMiss to 27% from three point line and 36% overall.
- DJ had the Knights mix between man-2-man and zone. Help side defense for the Knights was the best it has been all year.
- 11... count'em... 11 blocks for the Knights! Keith Clanton had 7 (2 of those were game saving in the second half) #FearTheBeard #BITB33
- 33 deflections... I would say that UCF beat SoMiss to 3 out of 4 loose balls #itsthelittlethingsthatmatter
- Oh yeah, Clanton had 4 steals too #Iwantabeard
- Good offense leads to good defense. Zero fastbreak points for SoMiss.
- Incredible scramble on the final 2 defensive possessions by UCF. There is no question that this game was won on the defensive end.

Intangibles
- I cannot express how fun it was last night to watch this team play. Played with heart, passion, and intensity. #ChargeOn
- Spurlock is making a name for himself in the offensive rebounding world. #dunkyouverymuch
- All-American trainer Andy Reber was sporting a dark grey suit that resembled Gordon Gekko. Best dressed goes to Assistant Director of Basketball Operations Adam Williams who is certainly not afraid to wear colors. #fancy. Oh, and the head equipment manager was seen sporting a white UCF logo sweater vest. #solid #ineedthat
- It makes me sad to say that the song of the day was Ice Ice Baby. It was played during the Toojays Wrap Off. Why UCF Sports Marketing did not ask me to participate is a travesty. Marc Daniels and I were both weeping.
- Apparently there won't be any mail delivered on Saturdays now. Somewhere out there Scottie Pippen is happy and Karl Malone is sad.
- When there were technical difficulties with the clock management the student section started chanting "We want Beyonce!" They want Beyonce, I want Kelly Rowland.
- I believe in The Gauntlet.

After a pair of road games last week, the Knights are back in Orlando to host one of Conference USA's teams in Southern Miss.

• @USMGoldenEagles (18-4, 7-0 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (15-6, 5-2 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• Keith Clanton needs 10 boards to become UCF's all-time leading rebounder#OntheVergeofHistory
• Southern Miss has won 10 straight games #RedHotOpponent
• The Knights will close the campaign by facing the Golden Eagles in Hattiesburg on March 9 #SeekingSeriesSuccess
• #UCF finished with a 41-29 rebounding edge at Marshall Saturday#CleaningtheGlass
• The Knights are second in C-USA and 19th nationally in field goal percentage at 47.9#OnTarget
• #UCF is 11-3 at home and has won four straight at the UCF Arena#HappyatHome
• Clanton is 8th nationally in field goal percentage at 59.7#AlwaysAccurate
• Isaiah Sykes is averaging 2.3 steals in C-USA play to pace the league#TakeitAway
• Calvin Newell scored 19 points at Marshall and is averaging 15.0 points in league play#ANewellKnight
• Kasey Wilson still leads the country in 3-point field percentage#GoingDeep

Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones airs Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network. This week's show includes features on freshman big man Staphon Blair and strength and conditioning coach Ben O'Donnell.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

Blair has appeared in 19 contests this season after starring a Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale. O'Donnell, a former UCF point guard, is in his second year on the staff. This week's show also includes highlights from the Knights' road games at Tulane and Marshall.

To watch past features, visit the Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones YouTube page.

To learn more about the show, follow @IUCFB on Twitter.

The Knights' men's basketball team will look to rebound from a close loss to Marshall in Huntington, West Virginia on Saturday afternoon. UCF will face the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, who haven't lost a conference game this season, on Wednesday night at the UCF Arena. Then on Saturday, the Knights will take on the East Carolina Pirates in the team's first rematch on its Conference USA schedule.

Senior Keith Clanton appears to be back to his dominate form after a 24 point performance against the Herd. The Orlando native remains in the top five in the conference for points per game (16.6) and rebounds per game (9.3).

On the women's side, the Knights will also be home this week to take on both Marshall and Memphis. Last time UCF faced the Tigers, the Knights came away with a 70-65 victory for their first Conference USA win of the season.

The women's track and field team continues to dominate. Over the weekend, sophomore sprinter Octavious Freeman was awarded the most valuable female performer award at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska. Freeman won both the 60 meter dash and the 200 meter dash.

Don't forget baseball season is quickly approaching. The Knights will open the season on Friday, Feb. 15^th against Siena. Get your season tickets right here at UCFAthletics.com.

For complete coverage of all UCF athletics, continue to check UCFAthletics.com.

The Knights are back in Orlando this week and UCF's head coach will talk about his team's upcoming home games during the Donnie Jones Radio Show Monday. Fans are invited to attend the show from 7-8 p.m. at the Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard.

The program, which is hosted by Marc Daniels, airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

Jones will preview the Knights' contests vs. Southern Miss (Wednesday at 7 p.m.) and East Carolina (Saturday at 4 p.m.) at the UCF Arena.

UCF is 15-6 overall and 5-2 in Conference USA play.

The Knights will take their four-game winning streak to Huntington to face Marshall Saturday afternoon.

• @HerdZone (9-12, 2-4 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (15-5, 5-1 C-USA)
• 
  
• Cam Henderson Center - Huntington, W.Va. - 2 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch on CSS @csssports and Bright House Sports Network @BHSN
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF's four game C-USA winning streak is tied for the Knights' longest since joining the league#StreakNShake
• The Knights are seeking their first win in Huntington since 2007#RoadTripTime
• Foes are making only 27.4 percent of their 3s vs. #UCF in league play#No3ForYou
• #UCF won only 3 road games last year, but already has 4 wins away from home in 2012-13#RoadWarriors
• The Knights blocked 7 shots at Tulane Wednesday#SwatTeam
• Isaiah Sykes ranks 3rd in C-USA games in scoring at 17.0 points per game#TheScore
• Sykes' 4 straight 20 point games are the most by a Knight since Jermaine Taylor in 08-09 #EliteCompany
• Kasey Wilson leads C-USA, shooting 55.1 percent from deep #HeyMrWilson
• Keith Clanton is only 18 boards shy of UCF's career rebounds record#BreakingRecords
• Calvin Newell is averaging 14.3 points in C-USA after averaging 8.3 in non-league play#TalentedTransfer

When the Knights play at Marshall Saturday, the game will be televised throughout the southeast on CSS and in central Florida on Bright House Sports Network. Coverage begins at 2 p.m.

Mike Morgan will handle the play-by-play on the broadcast and Shane Power will provide color commentary. UCF has won four-straight games and enters the contest with Marshall 15-5 overall and 5-1 in Conference USA.

In Orlando, fans can listen to the contest on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game. Marc Daniels will have the call from Huntington, W.Va., and pregame coverage begins at 2:30 p.m.

The Knights have won three-straight games and will be back in action Wednesday at Tulane.

• @GreenWaveMBB (14-6, 2-3 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (14-5, 4-1 C-USA)
• 
  
• Devlin Fieldhouse (3,600) - New Orleans, La. - 8 p.m. Eastern
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF has won 5 straight over the Green Wave #SeriesDominance
• The Knights have won three road games this year, matching their total from last season#AwayDays
• #UCF has won 3 straight games, its longest C-USA winning streak since January 2012#Streaking
• In C-USA play, the Knights are averaging a league best 27.0 defensive rebounds per game#GlassWork
• Isaiah Sykes has 3 straight 20 point performances#202020Vision
• Sykes is averaging 16.4 points in league play, good for 3rd in C-USA #ConferenceConfidence
• Tristan Spurlock has 9 blocks in five C-USA contests after recording 4 in league play #BlockItOut
• Keith Clanton needs one swat to become the 10th player in C-USA history with 200 career blocks#BlockParty
• Calvin Newell has drained a team high 10 triples in C-USA competition#TreySongz
• Staphon Blair grabbed a career best three boards Saturday in the win over SMU#FreshTake

This week's Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones includes a feature story on sophomore Kasey Wilson, who has developed into one of the premier 3-point shooters in the country. The show will debut Monday on Bright House Sports Network at 10:30 p.m.

During the show, junior Tristan Spurlock will offer a tour of the UCF Arena and the Knights' other facilities and associate head coach Shawn Finney will be profiled.

The Knights have won three-straight games, including wins over Rice and SMU last week. This week's show will have highlights from the home victories.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

To watch past features, visit the Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones YouTube page.

To learn more about the show, follow @IUCFB on Twitter.

The Knights men's basketball team continues its hot play winning five of its last six games and has a 4-1 record in Conference USA.  UCF will hit the road and head to New Orleans for a Wednesday night matchup against the Tulane Green Wave. The team will then head north to Huntington, West Virginia to face the Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday afternoon.

Junior Isaiah Sykes has been scoring from everywhere on the court recently. In the last three games, the Detroit, Michigan native scored at least 20 or more points. He also had a 21 point and 10 rebound performance against the SMU Mustangs, which was his third double-double of the regular season.

The women's track and field team will compete in one of its most competitive indoor meets of the season at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational. The Knights are coming off another successful meet at the Hokie Invitational where distance runner Anne-Marie Blaney set another freshman record. Blaney ran a record 17:07.74 for first place in the 5,000 meters.

UCFAthletics.com will have complete coverage video coverage from this week's Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational. Continue to check UCFAthletics.com for more coverage of the Knights.

The UCF men's basketball team has gotten off to a strong start in Conference USA play and head coach Donnie Jones will talk about his squad's success Monday evening during his radio show. The Donnie Jones Show is set for Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the Buffalo Wild Wings on University and fans are invited to attend in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The weekly show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

UCF improved to 4-1 in league competition with a 74-65 win over SMU Saturday.

The Knights have a pair of road games this week - at Tulane Wednesday and at Marshall Saturday.

The UCF men's basketball team has gotten off to a strong start in Conference USA play and head coach Donnie Jones will talk about his squad's success Monday evening during his radio show. The Donnie Jones Show is set for Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the Buffalo Wild Wings on University and fans are invited to attend in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The weekly show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

UCF improved to 4-1 in league competition with a 74-65 win over SMU Saturday.

The Knights have a pair of road games this week - at Tulane Wednesday and at Marshall Saturday.

UCF is off to a strong start in Conference USA play and the Knights are back in action at home against SMU Saturday.

• @SMUBasketball (11-9, 1-4 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (13-5, 3-1 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF has won three in a row over SMU #Goingfor4
• The Knights are 10-3 at home this year#HomecourtAdvantage
• #UCF only had 11 turnovers in Wednesday's win over Rice#NoTurnover
• The Knights have won 75 games inside UCF Arena since it opened in 2007#HomeCooking
• Four #UCF players are averaging double digits in scoring in C-USA games #FairandBalanced
• Isaiah Sykes has made 16 of 17 free throw attempts in league play#FreeFalling
• Calvin Newell averaged 19.5 points in UCF's last 2 games#ANewellDay
• Keith Clanton is averaging 2.9 assists, good for 10th in C-USA#TheGiver
• Clanton is shooting 61.8 percent from the floor this season#OnTarget
• Tristan Spurlock is 6th in C-USA games in rebounds per contest at 9.0 #BoardWork

Offense
- Rice was physically undersized and it showed. 16 second chance points for the Knights compared to Rice's total of 3.
- Clanton faced constant double teams and had a very rare off night (still had 10 rebounds and 5 assists) which led the way for Newell to step up. Newell had 24 points that included 5 three-pointers. Best stat line of the night for Newell you ask? Only one turnover. #CalvinandHobbsfor3
- Even better than Spurlock's 14 points were his 12 rebounds. I really like the way Spurlock is becoming more of a complete player. #PopSpurlockAndDropIt
- Rice is very well coached and did a solid job of mixing up defenses to try and confuse the Knights. Owls would go from zone to man throughout the night. When the Knights utilized their drive and kick action it was nearly unstoppable. Would have liked to see the ball go in the post more.
- Learning game for Walker. Time, score and possession are all parts of the game that he must think about. He will get better with each game #notafreshmananymore
- Sykes with another simple 24-point performance. Oh, and he was 9-of-10 from the free throw line. One more time... he was 9-of-10! #beast #theyarefree

Defense
- Half-court defense was not consistent but it was effective. Knights were too big, too strong and too fast for Owls to really get in any kind of rhythm.
- Newell has chance to one of the greatest on ball defenders UCF has seen in a long time. If he wants; only if he wants it.
- UCF outrebounded the Owls 38-21 #hoothoot #badjoke #whysoserious
- Remember that time when Rice player Keith Washington tried to take a wide open layup with 5 minutes left in the second half and then was viciously blocked by Isaiah Sykes? That was funny. #SykesYouOut
- 2 huge steals for Calvin in the second half. A definite momentum shift when the UCF offense seemed to be going cold.
- During conference play every team knows you offensively and scouts accordingly. The Owls doubled Clanton every time in the post and tried to cut off drives by Sykes and Newell. Therefore, you win games with your defense. It wasn't pretty but most conference wins never are. It's still a win!

Intangibles
- Conference games are gritty, they are physical and they are won with defense. Every win matters in conference play and this was a big one!
- Spurlock really has been great in all of UCF's conference games.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber was wearing a tan/brown suit with an accented brown shirt and tie...very sharp. Don't know if anyone truly wins best dressed last night. Sports Info Director of the Year Doug Richards sported a preppy cardigan look. Everyone's favorite Allstate agent Scott Rose was spotted wearing a scarf. I'll say that again, he was wearing a scarf #tougherthanme #jpclarkwouldbeproud
- The stormtrooper was in the student section again. I really want to walk up to him, wave my hand in front of him, and say "these aren't the droids you're looking for." #starwars #jedimindtrick
- Who is @UCFGauntlet?
- 4,556 was attendance total. Where you at Knight fans? Some great basketball is being played in your backyard!!!
- P.S. I heard Beyonce lip sync the Star Spangled Banner... I bet the UCF band would never do that.

The Knights will play a home game for the first time since Jan. 9 when they host Rice.

• @RiceBasketball (4-13, 0-3 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (12-5, 2-1 C-USA)
• 
  
• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF will be playing at home for the first time since Jan. 9#WelcomeBack
• The Knights have played in two straight overtime contests#ExtraTime
• #UCF is averaging 71.8 points after averaging 65.6 points a year ago #PointProduction
• Opponents are shooting only 30.3% from deep against the Knights #GettingDefensive
• Keith Clanton needs only 2 blocks to become just the 10th player in C-USA history with 200 career swats#BlockItOut
• Clanton played a total of 80 minutes in the team's last two games#EnduranceMan
• Isaiah Sykes is averaging 2.7 steals per game in league play to pace C-USA #ItTakesaThief
• Tristan Spurlock is averaging 8.0 boards in C-USA contests #WindexMan
• Calvin Newell's 7 field goals at Houston Saturday were the most for the guard as a Knight #FieldDay
• Kasey Wilson leads C-USA, shooting 56.5% from deep#AccurateAim

The men's basketball team is getting ready for another contest against a team from Texas after an exciting overtime win against the Houston Cougars this past weekend.

Isaiah Sykes scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while both Keith Clanton and Calvin Newell combined to score 34 of the team's 79 points. The win marked UCF's second victory in Conference USA play and puts them in a tie for fourth place in C-USA.

This Wednesday, the men's basketball team will face the Rice Owls. On Saturday, the Knights will go up against the SMU Mustangs and new head coach Larry Brown. The longtime head coach has spent the majority of his coaching career in the NBA, but the last college team he coached was the Kansas Jayhawks in 1988. He led them to the NCAA Championship that season.

In track and field, the Knights will compete in the Hokie Invitational in Blacksburg, Virginia. UCF has been off to a hot start and was very impressive last week at the Gator Invitational and the Auburn Invitational.

At the Auburn Invitational, freshman distance runner Anne-Marie Blaney broke the school record in the 3000 meters for the second week in a row with a time of 9:44.58. Sophomore Octavious Freeman ran a nation's best 7.19 seconds in the 60 meter dash.

For more news on the Knights continue to check UCFAthletics.com.

Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones, which airs each Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network, includes highlights this week from the Knights' thrilling overtime win at Houston. On Saturday, UCF improved to 12-5 overall and 2-1 in Conference USA games with a 79-75 victory over the Cougars.

The Knights, who were led by Isaiah Sykes (22 points, 9 rebounds), Keith Clanton (19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Calvin Newell (15 points), nearly won at the end of regulation on a Tristan Spurlock buzzer beater. After Spurlock's deep 3-pointer was declared too late by the officials, UCF outscored Houston 7-3 in overtime.

This week's show details how UCF's four walk-ons contribute to the team's success. Bobby Horodsyki, Robert King III, Isaac Lang and Tyler Coons will be featured during the program.

The episode also includes stories on assistant coach Darren Tillis, the UCF Victory Club and the program's focus on academic success.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

The Donnie Jones Radio Show is slated for Monday at Buffalo Wild Wings on University and the head coach will talk about UCF's thrilling overtime win at Houston during the program. The hour-long show begins at 7 p.m. and fans are invited to listen in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The show airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game in Orlando.

On Saturday, UCF recovered from an early double-digit deficit to post a 79-75 win over the Cougars. Isaiah Sykes scored 22 points and Keith Clanton added 19 points in the win.

The Knights have a pair of home games this week, starting with a 7 p.m. Wednesday contest vs. Rice. UCF also hosts SMU Saturday at 4 p.m.

UCF will hit the court for the first time in a week when it faces host Houston Saturday afternoon.

• @UHCougarMBK (12-4, 1-2 C-USA) vs. @UCFMBasketball (11-5, 1-1 C-USA)
• 
  
• Hofheinz Pavilion - Houston, Texas -6 p.m. EDT
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• #UCF is seeking its third road win of the year after winning three games away from Orlando all of last year #RoadImprovement
• #UCF ranks 10th nationally in field goal percentage, shooting 49.5 percent #SureShot
• The Knights and Houston will both compete in the BIG EAST next season#ConferenceCall
• #UCF is 5th nationally in fewest fouls per game at 12.7#FairNotFoul
• Keith Clanton needs only 7 boards to become just the 9th player in C-USA history with 900 career boards#EliteCompany
• Clanton ranks 6th in the country in field goal percentage, making 63.4 percent of his attempts #PaintProduction
• Tristan Spurlock averaged 16.7 points in UCF's last 3 games #PointPerson
• Isaiah Sykes is 2nd in C-USA in steals per game at 1.9#SykesofSteal
• Calvin Newell logged a career high 41 minutes at East Carolina last Saturday #MajorMinutes
• Kasey Wilson has made 54.8 percent of his 3-pointers this year #TripleDip

The next UCF Victory Club luncheon is set for Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the Fairwinds Alumni Center on campus. During the luncheon, which begins at Noon, head coach Donnie Jones will offer insight into his program and answer questions from supporters.

The UCF Victory Club is an organization created to support the men's basketball program. The club hosts exclusive functions throughout the year and provides numerous opportunities for members to network and become part of the program.

To RSVP for the Jan. 22 luncheon, please contact director of operations Craig Brown at cbrown@athletics.ucf.edu by Friday, Jan. 17. Lunch is $12 per person for Victory Club members and their guests, $8 for half court and center court members, $5 for UCF students and free for two for supreme court.

Luncheons are also scheduled for Feb. 5 and Feb. 19.

A tough overtime loss for the UCF men's basketball team overshadowed career games for Keith Clanton and Tristan Spurlock, the Knights will look to bounce back this weekend when they hit the road again and travel to Houston to take on the Cougars Saturday night.

Clanton scored 36 points and Spurlock added a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds in UCF's 88-85 overtime loss against ECU. The Knights will face the Pirates one more time this season when ECU travels to Orlando on February 9^th.

The women's basketball team will be back home this upcoming weekend after a tough 69-54 loss against the SMU Mustangs. UCF will host the Southern Golden Eagles Sunday afternoon in the UCF Arena.

The women's track and field is coming off a very successful Kentucky invitational where the team finished with  eight marks that rank among the NCAA's top 10 and a new freshman record in the 3,000 meters by Anne-Marie Blaney.

The Knights will travel to Gainesville to compete in the Gator Invitational and to Birmingham, Alabama to take part in the Auburn Invitational.

Also, keep a close eye Thursday night on the MLS Draft. UCF men's soccer standout Deshorn Brown is expected to be a Top 10 selection. Find out more about Brown and the rest of the UCF athletic squads in the video above.

This week's edition of Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones, which debuts Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network, includes a feature on junior forward Tristan Spurlock.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

Spurlock is coming off a career-high 23 points Saturday at East Carolina. The Virginia native added 11 boards vs. the Pirates to record his second career double-double. He is averaging 10.8 points and 5.4 boards in 2012-13.

This week's show includes highlights from the game at East Carolina and UCF's Conference USA-opening win over UAB. The program also has features on director of operations Craig Brown and in-game host John Evans.

The Donnie Jones Radio Show returns Monday to Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard. UCF fans are invited to attend the show, which begins at 7 p.m. and airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game, in person.

Jones and host Marc Daniels will talk about the Knights' start to Conference USA play.

UCF's next contest is Saturday at Houston. The squad will not play again at home until Jan. 23 when it hosts Rice.

After opening C-USA play with a big win over UAB, the Knights are in Greenville, N.C., to face East Carolina Saturday.

• @ECUPirateHoops (9-5, 0-1) vs. @UCFMBasketball (11-4, 1-0)
• 
  
• Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum - Greenville, N.C. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• The Knights will be playing away from Orlando for the first time since Dec. 14 #ReturntotheRoad
• #UCF won both of its contests vs. the Pirates a year ago #TheSweep
• The Knights have a 13-5 all time advantage against East Carolina#SeriesEdge
• #UCF leads C-USA and ranks 14th nationally in FG percentage at 49.2 #OnTarget
• The Knights are 11-1 when leading at the half in 2012-13 #TheHalfoftheMatter
• UCF's opponents are shooting only 30.0% from 3 point range #NoThreeforYou
• Isaiah Sykes has 74 assists this year after recording 65 in 33 games last season #TheDistributor
• Sykes leads C-USA in steals per game at 2.0 #ManofSteal
• Daiquan Walker grabbed a season high 7 boards in the win over UAB #GuardontheGlass
• Keith Clanton is 10th in C-USA with 3.0 assists per contest #TheBigDistributor

Offense
- Knights started out in crisp fashion with Newell scoring 6 quick points.
- To the untrained eye UAB seemed to keep Sykes in check and he still had 9 points, 6 assists and 8 rebounds.
- Knights used some great drive and kick action in the half court. It's easy to see how efficient they can be when the drive and kick mentality becomes consistent. It was great to see that at the start of conference play.
- You can see the confidence and patience growing for Newell and Walker in the half court and it's only going to get better.
- UAB applies impressive and consistent half court defensive pressure. The best way to negate ball pressure like that it to attack the basket going north and south. The Knights did just that.
- 14-16 from the FT line
- Loved the way Spurlock attacked the basket last night.
- Another double-double for Clanton. 12 points, 13 rebounds and let's throw in 5 blocks for kicks and giggles.
- A few too many turnovers for my taste, but half of those came on hustle plays. #icanlivewiththat

Defense
- It was a scrappy game all night. I love those kinds of games. I wish I would have charted both team's loose ball recoveries. That's the kind of game you expect for a conference opener #goodoldfashioneddogfight
- Newell and Walker are really starting to create havoc with their on-ball defensive effort.
- Held UAB to 26% field goal percentage. 0-23 from three point line. I don't think I have ever seen that before. #lockitup #noyoulockitup
- Was worried about Jordan Swing's ability to score. He is arguably one of the best shooters in C-USA. He finished with 4 points.
- Knights had 35 deflections! Can't applaud the effort on the defensive end enough. #cookiejar
- UAB runs the exact same type of offense as North Carolina... exactly the same. Knights had to defend multiple small on big cross screens, down screens and back screens for alley-oops. Great job by players on the scouting report end.

Intangibles
- Very physical play by both teams. This was a "grit" type of win!
- Matty Williams has a crazy quick release. Oh yeah, and it goes in!
- The Knightmare section was crazy good! Students out in full force and it was awesome! Total attendance count was 6,185.
- This new "Knightfall" marketing scheme it pretty cool... marketing interns drop parachuted items from the rafters. Reminds me of those green army parachute toys I had when I was a wee lad.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber was very sharp dressed in a grey and light blue argyle sweater with matching light blue tie. #bigtime. But I'm a geek, so best dressed goes to the student wearing a Star Wars stromtrooper costume. #maytheforcebewithyou #thesearentthedroidsyourelookingfor
- Newsflash! Marc Daniels and I want to be in the rap-off! But only if it's Vanilla Ice songs.
- Big road game this weekend at East Carolina. True character of a player comes out on the road. Go Knights!

The Knights will open their final campaign in Conference USA against visiting UAB.

• @UABAthletics (8-7) vs. @UCFMBasketball (10-4)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• The Knights have won three-straight league openers #StrongOpenings
• #UCF will conclude a seven game homestand Wednesday #ClosingTime
• #UCF entered last year 0-7 vs. UAB, but won three contests vs. the Blazers #TheStreakisOver
• The Knights will play 8 league home games at the UCF Arena #HappyatHome
• #UCF is shooting 49.7% from the field, good for 13th nationally#AccurateAim
• UCF hit 14 3-pointers Saturday vs. FAMU, 2 shy of the school record #GoingDeep
• Keith Clanton will make his 105th straight start when UCF hosts the Blazers #Longevity
• Clanton needs 3 points to join the UCF 1,500 points/500 rebound club#WelcometotheClub
• Daiquan Walker made his third start of his freshman campaign vs. FAMU #FreshStart
• Tristan Spurlock is shooting a team-high 79.5% from the free throw line #FeelingFree

The season premiere of Inside UCF Basketball with Donnie Jones is Monday at 10:30 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network. The weekly show gives viewers an inside glimpse into the UCF men's basketball program.

The show also airs Tuesday at 11 p.m. on Bright House Sports Network and statewide each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Sun Sports.

With the Knights slated to open their final campaign in Conference USA this week, the first episode will offer highlights from the team's non-conference schedule, including victories at USF and Old Dominion and home triumphs over Belmont and most recently Florida A&M. UCF's season has been filled with highlight-reel worthy plays from players like Keith Clanton, Isaiah Sykes, Tristan Spurlock and Kasey Wilson.

UCF hosts UAB Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the UCF Arena. The C-USA Ticket Package offers tickets to all eight home league games starting at the discounted price of just $64. To order, call (407) UCF-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.

By: Marc Daniels

UCF begins its Conference USA schedule on Wednesday when the Knights take on UAB. The Knights head into league play with a 10-4 record. UCF has had consistent play from senior Keith Clanton and junior Isaiah Sykes. 

Donnie Jones has moved Sykes back to point guard because he believes Sykes can create more offensive and help Calvin Newell by allowing him to move off the ball and roam more freely. Newell has shown flashes of being a very good defensive stopper.

After Wednesday's conference opener against UAB, UCF travels to East Carolina and then off to Houston before coming back to the UCF Arena.

As bowl season concludes, get ready for the 2013 football season. Signing Day is not that far away. Details of how you be part of signing day and hear from Coach O'Leary and learn about the new Knights will be coming soon.

Follow me on twitter via @ucf_marcdaniels for updates and more.             

Offense
- Lights out shooting by the Knights last night. 14 trey balls and shot almost 60% from the field.
- Best stat line of the night = 27 assists and only 11 turnovers.
- Sykes and Walker shared point guard duties. Each player brings something different to the table. Makes it very hard to adjust defensively for teams.
- Walker got the start last night. Played very consistent. 6 assists and only 1 turnover in 28 minutes of play. You will win a lot of ball games if your point guard does that every night.
- Sykes was a beast... oh and he was hitting jump shots #manchild
- Best thing about Spurlock's performance wasn't his 15 points, it was the 5 assists he had. Love the unselfishness of this team. #helpmehelpyou
- FAMU switched between man and zone all night. Guards did a great job of recognizing the changes and adjusting the offense.
- 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists for Clanton. #easyliving
- It's always troublesome for a defense when Sykes and Walker have stat lines like last night and then throw in 11 points and 4 assists from Newell. I'll give him a pass since he banked in a three.

Defense
- 29 deflections on the night.
- Outrebounded FAMU 35-22.
- Knights played mostly man-2-man. Had great on ball activity. Ball pressure negates so much action for the offense.
- Great/valuable minutes from Karell and Blair. Those two will be a force in the future.
- Newell has a chance to be one of the better on ball defenders in C-USA.
- Consistent effort on the defensive end was the main key last night.

Intangibles
- For about a 3-and-half minute stretch in the first half Coach Jones had 3 freshmen and 2 sophomores on the floor at the same time. The future looks bright.
- Really needed that free oil change from Carl Black #fiscalcliff #99problems
- A donor sitting next to me in the first half said Karell has great volume... in his hair. #panteneprov (I'm more of a Irish Spring type guy)
- All American trainer Andy Reber was sporting a dark grey suit that reminded me of a Wall Street trader. Best dressed goes to legendary UCF fanatic Todd Bowers for sporting a zip up argyle jacket that made him look like a stunt double for OneDirection. #suntrust
- I really wanted in on that Biggie Smalls rap-off today. I can't wait for the day that UCF Marketing does a "Miley Cyrus off"... I would own that #partyintheusa
- Wednesday night starts Conference USA play versus UAB. Conference play always seems like another level of intensity. Students will be back and the UCF Arena will be crazy loud. Better get your ticket early! #knightmare

UCF opens Conference USA play later this week and head coach Donnie Jones will talk about his program's final campaign in the league during his radio show Monday evening. The Donnie Jones Radio Show is set for each Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard and airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game.

UCF fans are invited to attend the show in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The Knights open league play on Wednesday, hosting UAB. The contest is the first of 16 C-USA games for the Knights, who are in their final season in the conference before moving to the BIG EAST next fall.

UCF enters league play 10-4 after crushing Florida A&M, 99-69, Saturday. The Knights will play eight conference contests at the UCF Arena. The C-USA Ticket Package offers tickets to all eight home league games starting at the discounted price of just $64. To order, call (407) UCF-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.

UCF opens Conference USA play later this week and head coach Donnie Jones will talk about his program's final campaign in the league during his radio show Monday evening. The Donnie Jones Radio Show is set for each Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the Buffalo Wild Wings on University Boulevard and airs on the UCF IMG Sports Network and its flagship station, 740 The Game.

UCF fans are invited to attend the show in person and interact with Jones and host Marc Daniels.

The Knights open league play on Wednesday, hosting UAB. The contest is the first of 16 C-USA games for the Knights, who are in their final season in the conference before moving to the BIG EAST next fall.

UCF enters league play 10-4 after crushing Florida A&M, 99-69, Saturday. The Knights will play eight conference contests at the UCF Arena. The C-USA Ticket Package offers tickets to all eight home league games starting at the discounted price of just $64. To order, call (407) UCF-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.

Before opening Conference USA play next week, the Knights host Florida A&M Saturday.

• @FAMUAthletics (4-10) vs. @UCFMBasketball (9-4)
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• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• The game is the 6th contest of a seven-game homestand for #UCF #HomeAgain
• #UCF and the Rattlers have not played since 2002 #SunshineStateMatchup
• The Knights are 9-1 when leading at the half this season #YouDontKnowtheHalf
• #UCF is 9-2 at home against in-state programs under DonnieJones #InStateSuccess
• Isaiah Sykes leads C-USA in assists per game at 5.0 #WiththeDish
• Keith Clanton needs only 4 boards to pass Kenyon Martin for 9th on the C-USA career rebounds register#PassingKMart
• Clanton has 7 double-doubles in 2012-13 after recording 7 in 33 games a year ago#DoubleDare
• Clanton is shooting 66.4 percent at home this year #KingofOrlando
• Matt Williams and Daiquan Walker have combined to hit 27 3-pointers #FreshTakes
• Calvin Newell logged a career high 38 minutes vs. USF Wednesday #BigMinutes

Calvin Newell's breakout offensive performance is coming soon, but in the meantime, the junior transfer is clearly committed to excelling on the defensive end. Last night during the second half of UCF's contest with USF, Newell guarded talented point guard Anthony Collins from end to end.

Collins, a preseason All-BIG EAST pick, struggled to get the ball with Newell hounding him. Newell's defensive pressure allowed the Knights to use a 19-6 run to get back into the game late in the second half. Thanks to a timely 3-pointer from Toarlyn Fitzpatrick and a late spurt of their own, the Bulls posted a 65-56 win, but the play of Newell was encouraging for UCF head coach Donnie Jones.

"I thought he played with great toughness. I thought he played with great energy. That disrupted what they were trying to do. That was a big part of that spurt when we kept them from scoring. It all starts with the guy who is guarding the ball. It raises the level for the guys on the rest of the team," Jones said.

Newell is a talented scorer who is still adjusting to his new role with the team. After sitting out the last year following his transfer from Oklahoma, the Philadelphia native has started the last seven games at point guard. Newell is still getting comfortable with his new teammates offensively, but showed against USF that he is happy to play outstanding defense.

Offense
- It was a cold shooting night for both teams. It seemed as if each basket was willed in.
- The Knights did make adjustments when needed and turned a cold shooting night into 34 points in the paint as opposed to USF's 26.
- I thought Calvin Newell had a solid point guard's game. We are all waiting for his breakout offensive performance (and believe me it's coming), but in the meantime 8 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals will do just fine.

- Keith Clanton had another monster double double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. In a selfish way I wanted more than that, but that's still one heck of a game.
- USF played some 2-3 zone throughout the game. It was effective for a while due to cold outside shooting (sometimes you just have those kinds of nights), but when the Knights adjusted and penetrated the zone, USF quickly retreated out of it.
- 17 points, 5 assists and only 1 turnover for Isaiah Sykes. More on him in the "Intangibles" section.

Defense
- For the most part the Knights played very well defensively. The second half was much better than the first though.
- The Knights played extremely hard in the second half but sent USF to the charity stripe 8 times.
- The pressure defense of Newell and Sykes in the second half was insane! During the Knights comeback, Newell single handedly took USF's point guard and leader Anthony Collins out of the game for 4 minutes. There were multiple possessions where Collins was unable to even touch the basketball and initiate their offense. I've always said when you are not making shots, the best way to keep yourself in the game is to change the tempo of play with your defense... and Newell did just that.
- USF hit a couple really tough jumpers late in the second half.

Intangibles
- Great crowd, great atmosphere! Announced attendance was 4,904, but felt like more. This rivalry will be something special. #waronI4
- Best 3 minutes Dylan Karell has played all season. It won't show up in the stat sheet but I was very impressed. #fearthefro
- I Truly cannot say enough about Sykes' grit and hatred of losing. I am not a big proponent of singling one guy out for carrying a team, but there was a stretch in the second half that made me a believer in Sykes' ability to play at the next level. Great players make great plays when needed most.
- Kasey Wilson had a tough night shooting, but that did not affect his effort, as he brought a ton of energy last night.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber did his best Roy Williams impression with a dark blue slim fit suit and a light blue tie. Great look. But the best dressed goes to Knightro with a ridiculously amazing black and gold Matador outfit #ole!!! #iwantthat
- The Knights lost to rival USF 56-65. What do you do? Sit and pout? Nope! Watch film, fix your mistakes and get ready to take severe revenge upon Florida A&M on Saturday. I will be there Knight Nation will you? I hope so, there is a lot of season left to be played.

UCF will look to complete an in-season series sweep when it hosts cross-state rival USF Wednesday.

• @USFMBB (8-3) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (9-3)
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• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 8 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch on @CBSSportsNet
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF has won two-straight over the Bulls #Lookingfor3
• #UCF and USF will both compete in the BIG EAST next season #ABIGPreview
• In the Nov. 10 matchup in Tampa, Isaiah Sykes nearly had a triple-double w/ 26 pts., 11 boards, 8 ast. #WellRounded
• #UCF ranks third nationally in fewest fouls per game with 12.6 #ACleanDefense
• Kasey Wilson continues to lead the nation in 3FG percentage at 60.6 #SureShot
• Keith Clanton needs 2 rebounds to enter the C-USA top 10 career boards list #LeavingHisMark
• Clanton is sixth nationally with six double doubles this year #SeeingDouble
• Tristan Spurlock is shooting a team-high 76.3 percent at the line#FeelingFree
• Sykes needs 10 boards to reach the 500 rebound mark for his career#GettotheGlass
• Matt Williams has made 13 3-pointers in only seven games this season #ItTakesThree

UCF vs. Howard
- Solid win for opening game of the tournament.
- The Knights continue to guard the 3-point line well. Howard went 4-of-14 from deep.
- Howard kept it interesting in the first half due to its effort on the defensive end. Once the Knights opened things up in transition, it was game over.
- The Knights press was very effective early on. It disrupted the tempo of Howard's defense all game.
- Matt Williams can really shoot that 3-ball!
- Great game for Tristan Spurlock... 15 points in 30 minutes of play with a couple of huge fastbreak dunks! That second 2-handed windmill was so impressive that even our esteemed AD Todd Stansbury shouted, "How aboooot that jam!" #canadiansknowbasketballtoo #dunkyouverymuch
- Great stat line for Isaiah Sykes: 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
- Howard did a good job of switching from man-2-man back to zone throughout the game. Calvin Newell and Daiquan Walker handled it just fine.

UCF vs. Belmont
- The basketball community knows this was a big-time win for the Knights. Just so you are aware, you will probably see Belmont in the NCAA tourney. I wouldn't be surprised to see them win a game. Great coach, great team... and the Knights took it to 'em.
- I loved the defense and ball pressure by the Knights. It was evident that they came ready to play. It was especially impressive considering it is very difficult to play back-to-back games. - Another double-double for Keith Clanton (26 points, 10 rebounds). He earned every rebound. #MVP
- Kasey Wilson is really coming into his own. I like the way he has been playing as of late.
- Sykes and Newell were strong all night on both ends of the court. Both made big plays when needed.
- Walker played such a great "point guard" game. Nothing fancy, just consistent.
- 28 deflections for the Knights.
- Great poise by the Knights to not panic when Belmont made a run at the end. All great teams make a run late in the game; it's just a part of the game.
#weatherthestorm

Intangibles
- Clanton was poised and active all tournament long. Most deserving of the MVP. #Lassitertrophy
- Vince Gill was in the house. He is a big Belmont fan. I'm more of an Amy Grant fan.
- The man-2-man press with Walker and Williams was really good. #future
- Song of the day was easily "I Knew You Were Trouble" by Taylor Swift. Now I'm not the biggest T-Swift fan, but boy do Taylor Young and I get hyped for that tune. I bet that Puff Daddy guy will remix it soon.
- For the second time this year the best dressed award goes to basketball communications director Doug Richards with the bow-tie/sweater vest combo. Newsflash! If Doug wears a bow tie, I don't care if David Beckham walks through the UCF Arena doors, guaranteed win! #oldmanswag
- Have a safe New Years Eve Knight fans!

The 2013 sports season is here and the Knights are off to a strong start after a great finish to 2012.

Knights fans continue to celebrate UCF's 38-17 win against Ball State in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl. The men's basketball team also won the UCF Holiday Tournament. UCF defeated Howard and then old rival Belmont the following day to keep the trophy in Orlando.

Senior forward Keith Clanton was named the tournament MVP scoring a total of 34 points in both contests and moved into second all-time in UCF's career rebounds with 852. The Orlando native is less than 100 rebounds away from the program's all-time mark, which is held by Ken Leeks with 942 rebounds.

It's basketball heavy this week for the Knights with the Men's team taking on rival USF at home on Wednesday and will close out non-conference play against Florida A&M.

The women's team will close out its non-conference schedule on the road up north in Ohio against Bowling Green.

Keep checking UCFAthletics.com for complete coverage of the Knights and all of us at the UCF Athletic Department hope you and your family have a happy new year as we head into 2013.

Keith Clanton is grabbing rebounds at an impressive rate this season, and with 11 against Belmont on Saturday moved to No. 2 on the UCF career boards list. The senior has 852 rebounds for his career and passed Jerry Prather (1974-78, 849 rebounds) for second.

Clanton is now fewer than 100 boards behind the program's all-time rebounding leader, Ken Leeks. From 1988-92, Leeks grabbed 942 rebounds.

In 2012-13, Clanton is averaging 9.6 rebounds, good for third in Conference USA. No UCF player has finished a season averaging over 9.0 boards since Leeks (9.9) in 1990-91.

The Knights will seek another UCF Holiday Tournament title when they host Belmont Saturday.

• @BelmontMBB (9-3) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (8-3)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7:30 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• UCF and Belmont will be meeting for the first time since 2005 when both programs competed in the A-Sun #RenewtheRivalry
• The Knights have a 6-3 series edge over Belmont #SeekingSeven
• #UCF will be playing for its sixth UCF Holiday Tournament title #TourneyTime
• The Knights are 8-1 this season when leading at the half #NoComebacks
• No Howard player scored in double digits in Friday's UCF win #GettingDefensive
• Keith Clanton led all players with 11 boards vs. Howard and has 6 double-digit rebound games this year #HittingtheGlass
• Clanton blocked his 182nd career shot vs. Howard to enter the C-USA top-10 swats list #NewKeithontheBlock
• Tristan Spurlock has 25 assists after recording 23 in 33 games a year ago #MovingtheRock
• 13 of Matt Williams' 14 made field goals this year have been 3-pointers #AccuratefromDeep
• Isaiah Sykes is averaging 2.0 steals per game to lead C-USA#TakeitAway

After a long break for Christmas, UCF returns to action against Howard to open the UCF Holiday Tournament.

• @HowardAthletics (3-10) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (7-3)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• The game is the first of four total contests in two days at the UCF Holiday Tournament #TourneyTime
• #UCF is shooting 51.1 percent overall, compared to 43.2 percent last season #ShotSelection
• UCF recorded 19 assists in the win over Stetson on Dec. 20 #SharetheRock
• Isaiah Sykes' triple-double vs. Stetson was the 14th in C-USA history #TripleTrouble
• Sykes averaged 38.0 minutes in UCF's last four games #EarnedHisVacation
• Tristan Spurlock has 25 assists this year after recorded 23 in 33 games last year #PassItOn
• Kasey Wilson is shooting 62.1 percent from deep to lead the country #3TheEasyWay?
• UCF last met Howard in 2009 and then freshman Keith Clanton had 10 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks#ThrowbackTime
• Clanton needs two blocks to enter the top-10 C-USA career swats list #BlockItOut
• Clanton has made 100-consecutive starts for the Knights #Longevity

Fans looking for some post-Christmas basketball should head to the UCF Arena this weekend. Four games in two days are on tap for the UCF Holiday Tournament.

The Knights will open the event on Friday, hosting Howard at 7 p.m. Belmont will then face Boston University at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, the consolation game is set for 5 p.m., followed by the championship at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, the UCF Arena box office will be open before UCF's game against Howard. Tickets each day provide admission to both contests.

UCF Holiday Tournament
Friday, Dec. 28
Howard at UCF, 7 p.m.
Belmont vs. Boston University, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 29
Consolation, 5 p.m. Championship, 7:30 p.m.

How impressive was Isaiah Sykes' performance against Stetson Thursday? The junior, who recorded only the third triple-double in UCF history with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, was named ESPN.com's national player of the night after leading the Knights to an 83-66 win.

Here are three quick notes/thoughts on the triple-double and Sykes:

1. The triple-double was just the 14th by a Conference USA player since the league's start in 1995.
   
2. The Detroit native showed off a more well-rounded offensive game Thursday. Not only did he score in the paint and in transition, he hit some long jumpers and even went 2-of-4 from 3-point range. Sykes entered the contest 1-of-3 from deep this year.
   
3. Like Keith Clanton this season, Sykes really fills up the box score. In 37 minutes against the Hatters, he also had three steals.

Offense
- Now that's the way to respond after a loss. Nothing like scoring 83 points and draining 10 3-pointers to get back on track.
- Isaiah Sykes was so efficient last night it was scary: 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. #tripledouble. Please do not underestimate what it takes to achieve those numbers... so tough! #builtfordtough
- Calvin Newell looked more comfortable with the ball last night. Newsflash, it's really hard to guard his step back jumper.
- Keith Clanton with a solid game vs. a very physical post player in Adam Pegg. 18 points and seven rebounds sounds about right.
- Pretty cool to see Daiquan Walker, Matt Williams and Dylan Karell on the floor at the same time passing to each other.
- It will be fun for me but not so fun for opposing teams when Williams gets his full wind back. He's not even at 90 percent, yet in my opinion he still brings it every night.
- I felt a deep twinge in my ankle at the 11:28 mark. Sykes crossed over Stetson's point guard so bad that I felt the shock waves. I feel your pain bro. - #bobbyhorodyski #walkonswag

Defense
- Stetson came into this game battle-tested having played a very tough road game schedule. They have two all-conference players on their team in Chris Perez and Pegg. Knights gave up 20 to Perez but held Pegg to 10 points and only three rebounds.
- We are starting to see Donnie Jones feeling more comfortable initiating the press. The Knights have the depth to do so now with Newell and Williams back.
- UCF had 29 deflections. Its team defense was active all night!
- The Knights continue to guard the 3-point line well. They held the Hatters to 28 percent shooting from deep
- Walker and Newell are very physical guarding the ball... and that's a good thing. UCF does need to be better late in the shot clock though.

Intangibles
- Bobby Horodyski's crossover/ankle-breaker/dance instructor move late in the second half was SportsCenter worthy. #fearthewalkon
- Song of the night was OneDirection's smash hit You Don't Know Your Beautiful. Somewhere, Marc Daniels was lip-syncing.
- Stetson is in a rebuilding year. They have a great coaching staff and will compete in the Atlantic Sun every year.
- Trust me folks, it's not an easy thing to bounce back from a tough loss a day and a half later. What a great response by the Knights and the coaching staff.
- The Wobble was the song of choice for the ever popular dance cam. How come they never put the camera on me? You hear me UCF Marketing?!?!? I want a shot at the title!
- I'm about to hit the road to watch the Knights take on Ball State in my home county of Pinellas!
- I will see everyone at the UCF Holiday Tournament on Dec. 28! Go Knights!

UCF will conclude a busy week Thursday when it hosts old rival Stetson.

• @StetsonMBB (3-7) vs. @UCFMBasketball (6-3)
• 
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch on @CSSSports
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCFMBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF has won 12-straight games over the Hatters #SeriesSuccess
• The game concludes a stretch of four contests in nine days for the Knights #ABusyMonth
• The Hatters are UCF's second-most frequent all-time opponent behind Rollins #FamiliarFoes
• UCF is 24-2 against non-league opponents at home under Donnie Jones #NonConferenceConfidence
• Three Knights have hit at least 10 3-pointers so far this year #TripleTrouble
• In UCF's last three games, Isaiah Sykes played 115 of a possible 120 minutes #MajorMinutes
• Kasey Wilson leads the nation in 3FG%, making 60% of his attempts from deep #LovingItFromLongDistance
• Keith Clanton will make his 100th-consecutive start when #UCF hosts the Hatters #Longevity
• Clanton needs three blocks to move into the C-USA career swats list top 10 #NewKeithOntheBlock
• 12 of Daiquan Walker's made field goals this year are 3-pointers #TreySongz

Offense

• It was a cold shooting night for UCF. The Knights were able to get open looks, but it was just one of those nights. It happens from time to time.
• Daiquan Walker was great! He provided a much needed spark plug off the bench - 27 minutes, 9 points, 0 turnovers. He seems to be getting more comfortable at the point guard position as the season progresses.
• Keith Clanton was great in post when he wasn't being double teamed. Miami is a very big team and they used that to their advantage. They doubled Clanton almost every time he touched the ball. Like always, he still was able to maintain his composure.
• Kasey Wilson continues to be a 3-point threat for the Knights.
• Miami played mostly man-2-man with the occasional full-court press. Flare screens seemed to bother the Hurricane defense.
• Isaiah Sykes had 9 tough points last night. Every bucket he made it seemed as if there were at least 3 Hurricane defenders around him. You could tell that Miami keyed in on him all game.

• Defense

• I thought the Knights played pretty solid defensively. All five players for Miami could shoot the 3-ball.
• 
  
• Miami made every single 3-pointer with a UCF hand in the face. It was just their night shooting the ball.
• The Knights used a 1-2-2 type zone press towards the end of the game. They didn't get a steal but that's not the point of the press. If you get a steal in a press it's like icing on the cake. The goal of every press is to make you play faster than you want and take time off the shot clock. It may seem like nothing happened if Miami broke the press, but they were not able to initiate their offense until about the 23-second mark of the shot clock. #successfulpress
• There were 21 deflections on the night for UCF.

• Intangibles

• Great Holiday crowd = 5,189 fans.
• Spent some time with MLB star Johnny Damon... nice guy... great Mohawk. He was here supporting the charity fundraiser for our softball team. I asked him what he thought of campus, his response, "I was blown away... truly."
• UCF marketing knocked it out of the park today. An Army Ranger propelled down the rafters to present the game ball #awesome. They parachuted t-shirts down to fans #crazyawesome. They asked all fans who served in military to stand up and be recognized, and there were a lot #gotchills #goAmerica.
• Calvin Newell will have a bounce back game... he's too much of a competitor not to.
• All-American trainer Andy Reber was wearing a sporty pin-striped suit. The best dressed of the day goes to Ben O'Donnell who opted to not wear his gray polo. The gray polo used to be white, but's he's a strength coach and stone washes his clothes. Instead he wore an extra-large anthracite Nike polo #roomtobreathe #musclemilk
• Keith Clanton's beard has a Twitter account called @ClantonsBeard... and its following me. I can't wait for @MarcDanielsHairGel to start following me next!
• See you Thursday as the Knights take on the Hatters of Stetson! Go Knights!

Having won three-consecutive contests, the Knights are ready for a big in-state showdown Tuesday when Miami visits the UCF Arena.

• @CanesHoops (6-1) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (6-2)
• 
  
  
• UCF Arena - Orlando, Fla. - 8 p.m.
• 
  
  
• Watch on @CBSSportsNet
• 
  
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF will be hosting an ACC team for the first time since the UCF Arena opened in 2007 #ConferenceCall
• 
  
• The game is serving as Military Appreciation Night at UCF #ThanksforServing
• 
  
• The Knights lead the nation in 3-point field goal percentage at 44.1 #AccuratefromDeep
• 
  
• A year ago, #UCF shot only 30.1 percent from deep #ShotImprovement
• 
  
• Isaiah Sykes is averaging a team-high 5.0 assists #TheDish
• 
  
• At ODU Friday, Calvin Newell shot 4-of-6 from deep and scored a team-best 17 points #AWelcomeAddition
• 
  
• Kasey Wilson has hit 13 triples this year after making 8 3-pointers in 29 games as a freshman #SuperSophomore
• 
  
• Tristan Spurlock leads the Knights at the line, shooting 78.1 percent #FeelingFree
• 
  
• In two games last week, Keith Clanton shot a combined 85.7 percent #OnTarget
• 
  
• Clanton has moved to 7th in #UCF history in career scoring with 1,397 points #ScoringOnUp
• 
  
  
  

It's a huge week for UCF athletics. The action begins on Tuesday when the Miami Hurricanes basketball team brings a 6-1 record to the UCF arena to take on the 6-2 Knights. It's the first meeting between the two since UCF knocked off the Canes' 84-78 in 2010 in a game in Sunrise, Florida. The victory gave UCF a 10-0 start to the season.  Donnie Jones' team will hit the hardwood again on Thursday when rival Stetson visits. UCF has won 12 straight over the Hatters.

The basketball win at Old Dominion gave UCF a glimpse of how good junior guard Calvin Newell can be. After struggling in his first game of the season against Bethune Cookman, Newell hit his first shot at ODU and scored 17 in the big road win. The Knights are among the national leaders in field goal percentage and sophomore Kasey Wilson has quickly become one of the better shooting forwards in the nation.

The big week of sports is highlighted by Friday's Beef O'Brady's Bowl in St. Petersburg. UCF faces off against Ball State, who is seeking the school's first ever bowl win. The Knights are focused on a 10^th win and the school's second bowl win.

Follow me on twitter @UCF_MarcDaniels for notes, news and more and get all your UCF sports news at www.ucfathletics.com

UCF will play its lone road game this December when it heads to Virginia to meet Old Dominion.

• @ODUSports (1-8) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (5-2)
• 
  
• Constant Center - Norfolk, Va. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF is 3rd nationally in FG percentage at 52.0 #SureShot
• The Knights will be seeking their third-straight win when they play Friday #Streaking
• The game is the second of four contests in nine days for the Knights #BusySchedule
• The Knights own a +7.4 rebounding margin in 2012-13 #HittingtheGlass
• #UCF is averaging 15.6 assists this year, compared to 11.4 assists a year ago #SharetheRock
• #UCF will be playing its first game outside of Florida this season #TravelTime
• A native of Woodbridge, Va., Tristan Spurlock will be playing in his home state Friday #VaNative
• Keith Clanton is shooting 62.7 percent from the floor this year #OnTarget
• After totaling seven double-doubles a year ago, Clanton has five double-doubles already this season #SeeingDouble
• Kasey Wilson is shooting 56.3 percent from 3-point range in 2012-13 #DialingInFromLongDistance

Offense
- The Beard...err, I mean, Keith Clanton was the man last night! 30 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
- Clanton shot 14-of-15 from the floor. Marc Daniels couldn't make that on a Little Tikes hoop. #fearperfection
- Now begins the era of Calvin Newell at point guard. Newell is a scoring point guard who can get hot in a hurry.
- Newell was a little rusty in his first game with the Knights, but I thought had a very solid "point guard" game. This dude is a freak athlete.
- I loved the way Tristan Spurlock played on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he was efficient and smooth all night.
- Although the Knights were only 3-12 from the 3-point line, teams cannot play zone effectively anymore against UCF. There are too many outside threats for the Knights: Clanton, Spurlock, Rod Days, Newell, Daiquan Walker, Kasey Wilson and Matt Williams are all capable 3-point shooters.
- Bethune-Cookman could not stop Isaiah Sykes in transition... he's too strong, too fast and too efficient with the ball in his hands.
- This team continues to love to share the ball, 19 assists for the Knights. #hotpotato

Defense
- I thought Bethune-Cookman ran some pretty good offensive sets. The Knights handled it well. Nothing fancy, just good ol' fashioned grind it out basketball.
- The Knights ran mostly man-to-man with a little 2-3 zone sprinkled in.
- My favorite part of Newell's game? His defense... tenacious on the ball.
- Spurlock with 11 rebounds and 3 steals... that's what I'm talking about!
- I continue to be impressed by Staphon Blair's no fear attitude in the post.
- What did I tell you about Sykes, Bethune? If he is running behind you while you are streaking for fastbreak layup, please stop, just stop... because he will kindly supply you with a refund every time.

Intangibles
- I don't care if there are 100 students at the game or 1,000... if you shoot an air ball in the UCF Arena, you will not hear the end of it. #tradition
- There are a lot of guys that can score on this team. The Knights must continue to share the ball well, like they have been doing, in order to be successful.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber wore a great stockbroker type pin striped suit. Impressive. However, the best-dressed award goes to UCF's favorite Allstate agent, Scott Rose. He was seen sporting a crushed black velvet sport coat. #thevelvetfog #seinfeldtrivia
- Tough road game for the Knights Friday. They face the always well coached Old Dominion team. - Come on out next Tuesday as the Knights face Miami at home. The Hurricanes were ESPN's Andy Katz's team of the week last week. This will be a good one.

Keith Clanton's shooting performance was one to remember in Wednesday's win over Bethune-Cookman. The senior forward, who scored a career-high 30 points and added 13 rebounds, made 14-of-15 attempts from the field and did nearly all of his scoring inside the paint.

The effort was the best shooting performance by an NCAA Division I player since 2008 when Stephen F. Austin's Matt Kingsley hit 15-of-16 shots against Jackson State.

Clanton's field goal percentage (93.3) was good for third on both the UCF and Conference USA single-game register.

As a result of his strong showing against the Wildcats, the former Orlando Christian Prep start is now shooting 62.7 percent from the floor this season.

Following a long break for final exams, the Knights are set to face Bethune-Cookman Wednesday evening.

• @BCUAthletics (4-6) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (4-2)
• 
  
• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF ranks 1st nationally in 3-point FG percentage at 44.6 #GoingDeep
• 
  
• The Knights have won 7-straight games over the Wildcats #Streaking
• 
  
• The game vs. Bethune-Cookman is the first for the Knights in 11 days #TimetoPlay
• 
  
• The contest will serve as the UCF debut for Calvin Newell #TalentedTransfer
• 
  
• Daiquan Walker and Matt Williams combined to make 12 3s and score 36 points vs. Florida Tech #RatedRookies
• 
  
• All 10 of Walker's made field goals this year have come from 3-point range #LovingtheLongDistance
• 
  
• Keith Clanton is the third player in program history to record 800 career boards #HittingtheGlass
• 
  
• Clanton is shooting 55.0 pct from the field, after shooting 46.1 pct a year ago #ShowingImprovement
• 
  
• Vs. Florida Tech, Kasey Wilson recorded his first career double-double (16 pts, 11 reb) #SeeingDouble
• 
  
• Isaiah Sykes leads the Knights with 30 assists this year #PasstheRock
• 
  
  
  

The Knights are shooting the ball exceptionally well from deep this season. UCF currently ranks first nationally in 3-point field goal percentage at 44.6 percent.

The percentage was helped by a 14-of-23 (60.9 percent) performance from deep in its most recent game vs. Florida Tech on Dec. 1. In its last two games, UCF shot a combined 25-of-43 (58.1 percent) from beyond the arc.

UCF's shooting numbers have improved from a year ago. In 2011-12, the Knights made just 30.1 percent of their 3-pointers.

Tyler Coons is one of five freshmen on the UCF roster this year. The guard grew up in the area, only about a 20-minute drive from campus. He had scholarship offers to play college ball out of state, but instead felt the most comfortable at UCF.

"It felt right, staying here with the great coaching staff and all the great players," Coons said. "I played against some of the players a few times in AAU and felt it was the right place for me."

Attending The First Academy in Orlando, Coons still goes back to visit his old school. He feels like a local celebrity as everyone that he knows at the school talks about coming out and supporting the UCF men's basketball team. It's an amazing feeling for Coons knowing that he gets to play in front of his family and friends.

"Every time I go back to my high school, the people that watched me in high school are talking about how they are going to come and support UCF now," Coons explained.

Coons sees his role on this team as just helping out his teammates and doing all the little things. All Coons really wants to do this year is help the Knights win. He has seen time in four games so far, including the season-opening victory at USF.

During his freshman year there are two things that Coons would like to work on. He mentioned that both his ball-handling and shooting can improve in order for him to be a greater player.

Offense
- Welcome to the Matt Williams show! He had seven trey balls for 21 total points. I can promise you this Knight fans, you will greatly enjoy following his career.... Great player, even better kid.
- I loved seeing 22 assists last night, although we need the turnover margin to decrease.
- Daiquan Walker got the start again. His line = 15pts, 2 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers.
- Solid game for Isaiah Sykes who played wing most of the night. His more natural postion is in attack mode on the wing.
- I liked the Keith Clanton and Kasey Wilson dynamic. They always know where the forward is on the floor. It is hard for opposing teams to guard a small forward and power forward who are as consistent as they are.
- Florida Tech played a multiple of defenses - some man-to-man, full court press, 2-3 zone and a soft 3¼ one-two-two press.
- When teams press the Knights I would like to see Walker attack it more instead of waiting for the trap to come. Sometimes the best way to beat a press is to attack it head on and that will be needed once conference play opens.
- Wilson and Clanton are great when they receive the ball in the middle of the zone. Both are threats to score and distribute.

Defense
- The press is back! It needs to be fine tuned, but with Williams back the Knights have more fresh bodies. Just wait until Calvin Newell enters the lineup!
- 28 deflections on the night. I'll take it.
- The Knights continue to guard the 3-point line very well. Florida Tech only shot 28 percent from deep.
- 48-26 rebounding margin in favor of the Knights #Windex.
- I continue to be impressed by Staphon Blair's consistency on the defensive end. There is so much Ben Wallace in Staphon Blair.
- Sykes had an insane block in the first half, chasing down a Florida Tech player on a fastbreak. If I knew Sykes was behind me on a fastbreak I would probably dribble the ball out or say the rosary... either one is a fairly safe option.

Intangibles
- Folks I hope you can truly appreciate how important it was to Matt Willaims to have a game like that. He loves UCF, loves playing basketball, and is committed to the program. It is great to have that kid back... he has been through quite a tough time recently and I was so happy to see him perform like that.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber was back to his old fashionable self - cream colored suit with a perfectly matched orange tie. However, the fashion winner of the week is clearly UCF Athletics assistant director of communications director Eric DeSalvo. Last Thursday Eric was wearing a red and black flannel button down, tan corduroy pants and a red and green tie that played a Christmas jingle. #embarrassingbutawesome. He wins the Ron Burgundy come see how good I look award.
- Scott Adams was on radio play by play last night. His hair wins awards every time he turns his head.
- It was a very sad day though, Tyler Coons shaved the mutton chops #fearthebarbasol?
- Get ready for the appearance of Calvin Newell! UCF will have so many weapons on offense when he steps on the court.
- The next game is on Dec. 12 vs. Bethune-Cookman. See you there Knight fans!

UCF will play for the first time in over a week when it hosts Florida Tech at the UCF Arena.

• @FTPanthers (3-1) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (3-2)
• 
  
  
• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
  
• Listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF has won seven-straight home games over in-state opponents #SunshineStateSuccess
• 
  
• The UCF-Florida Tech series dates back to the 1970-71 campaign History
• 
  
• At No. 7 Florida on Nov. 23, the Knights' starters scored all 66 of the team's points #FromtheStart
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• UCF is shooting 39.1 pct from 3-point range this year, compared to 30.1 pct a year ago #Going Deep
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• The game is the first of six home contests in December for the Knights #HomefortheHolidays
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• Kasey Wilson scored a career-high 20 points at Florida when he shot 5-of-6 from deep #HeyMrWilson
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• The game vs. Florida Tech will serve as UCF's final contest before Calvin Newell becomes eligible #HelpisOntheWay
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• Keith Clanton has started 95-straight games at power forward #StarStarter
• 
  
• Daiquan Walker is averaging 24.0 minutes five games into his freshman campaign #WelcomeFreshman
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• At Florida, Rod Days grabbed a career-best five boards #HittingtheGlass
• 
  
  
  

The Knights will conclude their busy week with a big challenge. UCF will face host No. 7 Florida in Gainesville at 4 p.m. Friday.

• @GatorZoneMBK 4-0) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (3-1)
• 
  
• O'Connell Center (11,548) - Gainesville, Fla. - 4 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch it live on @SunSportsFOXFL. You can listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well.

  

• #UCF will be playing its second road game of the year, having defeated host USF on Nov. 10 #SeekingInStateSuccess
• 
  
• The Knights will be looking for their first win in Gainesville as they are 0-7 all-time at Florida #AChanceforHistory
• 
  
• #UCF coach Donnie Jones is familiar with the Gators having served as a Florida assistant from 1996-07 #WelcomeBack
• 
  
• UCF will be playing a ranked foe for the 4th time under Donnie Jones and are 2-1 vs. ranked teams under his guidance #BigTimeWins
• 
  
• Tristan Spurlock is averaging 13.5 points this year, compared to 7.2 points a year ago #SteppingUp
• 
  
• Keith Clanton will make his 95th-consecutive start on Friday #Longevity
• 
  
• Keith Clanton and Florida's Kenny Boynton were teammates on the AAU level #ThatTeamwasLoaded
• 
  
• Keith Clanton has 13 assists this year; Florida assist leader Mike Rosario has 12 #TheBigGuyCanPass
• 
  
• Isaiah Sykes is shooting 64.3 percent overall this year #MakingThemCount
• 
  
• Keith Clanton and Isaiah Sykes both competed against the Gators for #UCF back in 2010 #Memories
• 
  

Offense
- Daiquan Walker had a great first half. He hit two big time 3-pointers and made some solid decisions in the half court.
- The best way to attack a zone defense is dribble penetration in the gaps of the zone. When the Knights did that, they were successful.
- There were small stretches of stagnant offense throughout the game. That will be fixed as the season progresses.
- I thought Tristan Spurlock was great all night! He was aggressive on both ends of the floor.
- Spurlock's tip dunk of the Wilson miss was insane! #imustdunkonyou #ohmomacita
- Staphon Blair continues to improve. I wouldn't mind seeing him demand the ball a little more.

Defense
- Middle Tennessee's guards were very good at getting into the lane with their dribble attack.
- The Knights had to chase on stagger screens, double stagger screens and flare picks all game.
- Middle Tennessee subbed a lot! That's a tough scouting report.
- I Thought Walker and Rod Days provided good energy when needed.

Intangibles
- Tough loss... Middle Tennessee is a very good basketball team. You will see them in the NCAA tourney and they will win their league.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber had on a half zip dark green pullover. He looked like the mannequin I saw from Jos A. Bank. However, the best dressed award goes to Senior Associate AD Zack Lassiter with a timeless argyle sweater vest #ladieslovetheargyle
- Song of the Day = Gangnam Style. Taylor Young and I were skipped by the dance cam again.
- Marc Daniels gave me some of his goldfish crackers at halftime. #honored
- I'll be eating tons of turkey and stuffing (like unfathomable amounts) on Thursday and I hope you will be too! Happy Thanksgiving Knight fans!
- The next game vs. that school up the street is this Friday at 4 p.m.

The Knights will continue their busy week, which includes three games in six days, with a 7 p.m. home game Tuesday against Middle Tennessee State.

• @MT_MBB (2-1) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (3-0)
• 
  
• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch it live on All-Access. You can listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  
  

• #UCF will be playing its second game in three days and its second of three games this week #KeepingBusy
• 
  
• #UCF is averaging 37.0 points in the first half, compared to 22.3 for its opponents #StrongStarters
• 
  
• UCF has a 2-0 series edge over Middle Tennessee State, but has not played the Blue Raiders since 2000 #Reunited
• 
  
• UCF's starters have combined for 193 of the team's 212 points this year #FollowtheLeaders
• 
  
• #UCF is averaging 5.3 blocks, compared to 2.0 for its opponents #BlockParty
• 
  
• The Knights have not lost a non-league home game since 2009 #HappyatHome
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• Isaiah Sykes is shooting 63.2 percent from the floor in 2012-13 #StrongShotSelection
• 
  
• Rod Days played a career-high 31 minutes in Sunday's win over Savannah State #MakingaContribution
• 
  
• Keith Clanton has recorded double doubles in all three of the team's games this year #SeeingDouble
• 
  
• Keith Clanton has started 93-straight games at power forward #Longevity
• 
  

Offense
- Keith Clanton is so good in the post. Even if he doesn't score or make an assist, his presence down low demands so much attention from opposing defenses.
- UCF had only three assists to 15 turnovers, yet still won the game.
- The Knights halfcourt offense looked out of sync for most of the night. It wasn't that they were selfish, not even remotely that, but they just seemed unsure of themselves. It was extremely surprising considering their fluid continuity the last 2 games.
- Daiquan Walker = see my thoughts on him in the intangibles section.
- I needed more "point guard" out of Isaiah Sykes. He still had 14 points, but only one assist. His "and 1" with about a minute to go was crazy clutch. Weight room!!!
- Staphon Blair did a great job of keeping the ball alive on the offensive glass. It's hard to box that beast out!

Defense
- Give Savannah State credit, they ran a really solid halfcourt offense. They were in attack mode all game - dribble weave, flares and pick and rolls all day.
- Overall pretty solid "D" by the Knights except for that 4-minute stretch in the second half.
- UCF had 20 deflections last night as opposed to 32 against Alabama State. Please read my definition of deflections in my last write up.
- Walker has a chance to be a great lock down defender.
- Kasey Wilson had two huge blocks late in the second half. People underestimate his athleticism.
- UCF won the rebounding stat line by three - 36-33.
- The Knights did a fantastic job of guarding the 3-point line! UCF held Savannah State to 30 percent from the 3-point line.

Intangibles
- We won! Did UCF play to its potential? No. It doesn't matter. As my old high school coach would say, "an ugly win is always better than a pretty loss."
- People told me Clanton had a bad game. He had 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks. What a horrible game!
- Everyone is a great captain when the waters are calm, what happens when the waters are rough? Who will emerge as that great captain for the Knights?
- Walker is going to be good folks. For freshmen point guards to get more playing time the formula is simple: play hard + no turnovers + high energy + knowing your scouting report = playing time. The more simplistic Walker plays the better the Knights will play. Simplistic does not mean playing timid. It means playing at a pace that makes your teammates feel comfortable. Walker wants to be good, he's already a great teammate, and he will get better.
- I was with the football team at Tulsa this weekend. I learned that Marc Daniels has a phenomenal voice (especially on any song by Pitbull). I couldn't even look at him and for a second I thought he took the shape of a unicorn. #majestic
- At the 15:51 mark of the second half the song "Moves Like Jagger" came on the loudspeaker. Taylor Young and I deserve to be on the dance cam for that song. #hypesong
- Speaking of TY, Justin Bieber won artist of the year at the AMA's last night. He's been suffering from Bieber Fever all year. I'm more of a Selena Gomez fan.
- If Wilson does not grab that loose ball at the end of the second half, we do not win that game.
- Knight fans... tomorrow night's game is huge! Middle Tennessee State is really really good. 7 p.m. at the UCF Arena tomorrow night! #barnburner

Off to a strong start in 2012-13, UCF will look to improve to 3-0 when it hosts Savannah State Sunday.

• @SavStateTigers (3-1) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (2-0)
• 
  
• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 2 p.m.
• 
  
• Watch it live on All-Access. You can listen on WYGM @740thegame
• 
  
• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  
  

• Through two games this year, UCF is shooting 57.9 percent from the floor #OnTarget
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• #UCF is averaging 18.5 assists per game, compared to 11.4 assists last year #SharingisCaring
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• #UCF has 11 blocks this season, while its foes have blocked only three shots #SwatTeam
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• The Knights own a +23.5 scoring margin this year #TheScore
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• 100 of UCF's 159 total points this year have come inside the paint#InsideWork
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• Against Savannah State, #UCF will be playing the first of three games this week #NoDaysOff
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• Isaiah Sykes has dished out 15 assists with only four turnovers as the #UCF point guard #HandlewithCare
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• Keith Clanton has recorded double doubles in both of the team's games this year #SeeingDouble
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• Kasey Wilson has made 10-of-12 field-goal attempts in 2012-13 #SureShot
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• Rod Days had a career-best four assists Tuesday vs. Alabama State #MovetheRock
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The future starts now for the UCF men's basketball program. Head coach Donnie Jones has a large freshman class, led by Staphon Blair, Dylan Karell, Daiquan Walker and Matt Williams. Learn more about these new Knights, who should make a positive impact in 2012-13:

Following every home contest, UCF basketball legend Mike O'Donnell will share his thoughts on the Knights' play on the court. Here is the first installment of @MOD4Three, which includes his observations following UCF's 85-56 victory over Alabama State:

Offense
- After a huge road win against USF, I had a feeling about what the first five minutes of the game would look like. I was right, it was somewhat of a slow start. But that didn't last long.
- Ball movement and unselfishness (my absolute favorite characteristic of this team) continues to reign supreme for the Knights half-court attack.
- Let's play a game: You have to guard Isaiah Sykes in a pick and roll situation. What do you do? Hedge and go under? Double him at the point of contact? Double him before the pick even happens? Sink your wings in to prevent penetration? Well, you can try any of those delightful options. Unfortunately they will all end up achieving one of these results: A drive for a layup, a kickout to Clanton, Wilson, Spurlock or Days for a 3-ball, or a pass back to conference player of the year candidate at the top of the key (wonder what he will do with it).
- Twenty-five assists as a team! Did I mention how much I love this team's unselfishness?
- Really impressed with Sykes' 23 points, but the scoring number pales in comparison to his seven assists with only one turnover.
- Another boring night for Clanton. Just 20 points and 11 rebounds. And how about that beard?
- Tristan Spurlock gets more of the press coverage (rightfully so) as the "third" guy, but Kasey Wilson has been the unsung hero for this team. He is definitely a player who needs to make his first shot to get going.
- Fun team to watch on the fastbreak... so far, haven't seen a bad break-out... you can tell this team loves to get out play in transition. Donnie Jones loves it too!
- Daiquan Walker was much better tonight. He is a pass-first point guard who will see more time as the game slows down for him.
- Staphon Blair continues to look more comfortable in the offense.
- Dylan Karell is a crowd favorite! Long, athletic, great hair... wait, what?
- Nothing like stepping on to the court for the first time and draining a trey ball... T-Coons for three!!! #FearTheMuttonChops #TaylorYoung2.0

Defense
- After the first five minutes, the Knights defense was very good.
- UCF forced 15 Alabama State turnovers.
- Deflections are a great way to gauge the effort of a team. A deflection is not an official stat on the stat sheet but 95 percent of college coaches chart them. A deflection is anytime a player changes the course of a ball, like steal, loose ball, deflected pass or tip on offensive rebound. It's a great barometer of your team's effort. A good number for a game total is 25. The Knights had 32 last night.
- Clanton had three blocks and you wouldn't even know it. I believe we underestimate his sneakiness. 

Intangibles
- Sykes is playing like a draft pick right. He is a 6-foot-6 point guard who is as strong as a power forward and doesn't turn the ball over. Channeling my inner Herm Edwards "Hello?!?!?"
- The announced attendance was 4,454. This team is crazy fun to watch. Let's hope more of Knight Nation can be there for Sunday's game
- There was a technical foul called at the 17:28 mark of the first half on Clanton for hanging on the rim. It was easily one of the oddest technical foul calls I have ever seen. I have hung on the rim longer than that, and I have never hung on the rim, ever!
- The little girl who won the dance contest has crazy swag!
- Sat next to former UCF star quarterback Kyle Israel for most of the game. He kept saying touchdown and interception... it was awkward.
- Keep an eye on the 2-man game between Clanton and Wilson. They have a great feel together working the high-low action.
- All-American trainer Andy Reber was disappointing in his outfit last night - a simple black sweater vest (the gold cuff links saved him). DJ's suit was phenomenal but director of athletics communications Doug Richards stole the show with a classic bowtie look. It was a thing of beauty.
- The next game is Sunday at 2 p.m. vs. Savannah State... be there Knight Nation!!!

Following its huge season-opening win at USF, the Knights will make their 2012-13 home debut Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the UCF Arena against Alabama State. UCF went 16-1 at home a year ago is looking to continue its success in Orlando this season.

• @ASUBUZZ (0-2) vs. @UCF_MBasketball (1-0)
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• UCF Arena (10,000) - Orlando, Fla. - 7 p.m.
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• Watch it live on All-Access. You can listen on WYGM @740thegame
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• Follow the action all game long with updates from @UCF_MBasketball and @UCF_Athletics on Twitter. Don't forget to "Like" the Knights on Facebook as well. For the stat buffs out there, follow on .

  

• The Knights have won 11-straight home openers #OpeningKnight
• #UCF has won 20-consecutive non-conference home games #Non_LeagueLove
• At USF, Isaiah Sykes almost became the third Knight to post a triple-double with 26 pts./11 reb./8 ast. #TripleTrouble
• Isaiah Sykes recorded a career-high eight assists at USF in his first career start at point guard #TheDish
• Keith Clanton (16) and Isaiah Sykes (11) combined for 27 boards at USF; the Bulls only had 26 as a team #HittingtheGlass
• The game against Alabama State is the first of a school-record 20 contests at the UCF Arena this year #HappyatHome
• Three Knights - Tristan Spurlock (39), Keith Clanton (39), Isaiah Sykes (38) - played at least 39 min. at USF #MajorMinutes
• The win in Tampa over USF was the first for the Knights since 1978 #MakingHistory
• Keith Clanton will make his 100th appearance as a Knight Tuesday #KeepIt100
• Keith Clanton needs only seven points to move into the UCF top-10 list for career scoring #MovingUptheCharts