LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF men's basketball team lost its first game of the season on Friday, falling to No. 20 West Virginia 83-45 in the semifinals of the AdvoCare Invitational.
The Knights (4-1) shot just 24.5 percent from the field, made just one three-pointer in the game - in the final seconds - and turned the ball over 27 times in the defeat.
"It was a tough night. Give West Virginia credit," UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins said. "We turned the ball over way too much, and that led to them getting easier opportunities and get into a nice rhythm. I don't think we ever got into a good flow offensively."
West Virginia (5-1) scored 27 points off of UCF's turnovers, scored 15 points on the break, and shot 45.7 percent from the floor for the game. The Mountaineers made nine three-pointers and outrebounded the Knights 45-39.
"It's a big learning experience for this group. We have a lot to work on," Dawkins said. "We know the direction we have to go in going forward."
Tacko Fall led UCF with 11 points and eight rebounds in the defeat. A.J. Davis had seven points and 10 rebounds - marking his fifth straight game with double figure boards - but turned the ball over six times.
West Virginia had four players in double figures, including senior point guard Jevon Carter, who finished with 16 points, five assists and five steals. As a team, the Mountaineers had 14 steals.
The Knights will conclude the AdvoCare Invitational on Sunday in the third place game. UCF will play St. John's at noon on ESPNU. The Red Storm defeated Oregon State in the first round and then lost to Missouri in the semifinals on Friday.
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