ORLANDO- UCF men’s basketball made its first home appearance of the preseason Sunday afternoon earning an 80-74 victory over Rollins College for an exhibition matchup.
The return to Addition Financial Arena highlighted by Dior Johnson’s reappearance to the court, leading the Knights with 19 points while adding seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. The guard provided an offensive spark with timely baskets, including consecutive layups in the second half, as UCF held off a late push from the Tars.
Rollins struck first, but fifth-year Knight Riley Kugel answered with the first basket back home with a layup to put UCF on the board. Jason Asemota followed with a 3-pointer being the only member of the Black and Gold to secure one in the first half.
With the matchup remaining close through the opening 10 minutes, UCF began to create separation. A series of plays from John Bol, Lewis Walker, Jahda Swann, Kugel and Johnson fueled a 14-3 run over six minutes extending the Knights’ advantage.
Tanner Jones added a dunk as Churchill Abass closed the half with a layup in the final minute as UCF carried 38-31 into the break.
Opening up the second half looking to maintain their momentum. After Rollins added to the board first, Isaiah Malone and Arturo Dean bounced back with a pair of 3-pointers to extend the lead 44-32.
Malone continued to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor, recording a block and a steal in the opening minutes of the half.
Arturo Dean added 11 points and four assists, while Malone finished with 10 points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Kugel contributed eight points in his return to the home floor.
UCF's defensive effort helped limit Rollins' opportunities, as the Knights forced 19 turnovers and scored 25 points off turnovers. The Black and Gold also held a 50-24 advantage in points in the paint, while the bench contributed 48 points.
Rollins continued to battle in the second half, but UCF maintained its advantage down the stretch to secure the 80-74 exhibition victory. The Knights will turn their attention to the regular season as they prepare for their season opener.
UP NEXT
The Knights take the road for their final exhibition at Kentucky on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6:00 p.m., before the season opener against FGCU on Nov. 2 at Addition Financial Arena.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
UCF men's basketball tickets are on sale now, including season tickets, single-game tickets and mini plans. Be sure to catch all the action starting Nov. 2 as the Knights return to the court. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000.
Season tickets, single-game tickets and mini plans are available now.
About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.