VALENCIA, Spain - In an offensive battle at Valencia Basket Club, the UCF men’s basketball team fell to the Valencia All-Stars, 85-83.
After holding an 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Knights gave up an 11-0 run as Valencia gained a 24-20 advantage. Going into halftime, the game was tied at 40 and Valencia showed off their long range, shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. In the first half, the game was tied six times.
The Knights had a difficult time defending Valencia's 3-point shot, as the All-Stars ended the game with 16 threes on 44 percent shooting. The lead changed four more times in the second half, including a Valencia go-ahead three-pointer to take the lead with under 20 seconds to go. When the Knights regained possession, Frank Bertz got fouled and knocked down two free throws to make it 84-83 . Valencia's final trip down the court resulted in a trip to the free throw line, where they went 1-of-2. UCF's final opportunity to tie the game ended on a Collin Smith missed jumper.
Grad transfer Matt Milon led the Knights with 17 points and seven rebounds, shooting 3-of-8 from three-point-land. TCU transfer Yuat Alok scored 10 points and hauled in nine rebounds, and junior center Avery Diggs recorded 10 points and eight boards.
Three more Knights scored in double figures. Collin Smith scored 14 and grabbed seven boards, while Frank Bertz and Ceasar DeJesus each added 12.
The Knights will play their final game of the Spanish Tour in Barcelona on Aug. 13.