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February 2013 Archives

Keith Clanton Top Moments - No. 2

By Doug Richards on February 28, 2013 7:36 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

This past weekend, UCF's nationally ranked track and field team won its fifth Conference USA championship. Fox Sports Network was there to film this tremendous accomplishment and is airing the meet on tape delay this Friday at noon on Fox Sports Florida. It will also re-air on Sunday at 8 a.m. 

Click this link -- C-USA clearances -- for a breakdown of the times, channels and various states where the broadcast will air. So set your DVR or tune in on your lunch break this Friday and watch some of the best athletes in the country represent the Black and Gold. 



Keith Clanton Top Moments - No. 3

By Doug Richards on February 27, 2013 10:13 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

Keith Clanton Top Moments - No. 4

By Doug Richards on February 26, 2013 11:04 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

10 Tweetable Tidbits for #UCFvsGSW

By Doug Richards on February 26, 2013 10:29 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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.

Keith Clanton Top Moments - No. 5

By Doug Richards on February 25, 2013 7:06 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

@MOD4Three - Tulsa

By Mike O'Donnell on February 24, 2013 3:52 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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!!

Basketball Radio Show Back Monday

By Doug Richards on February 24, 2013 9:30 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

Basketball Radio Show Back Monday

By Doug Richards on February 24, 2013 9:30 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

10 Tweetable Tibits for #UCFvsTU

By Doug Richards on February 23, 2013 8:36 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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

10 Tweetable Tibits for #UCFvsTU

By Doug Richards on February 23, 2013 8:36 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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

10 Tweetable Tibits for #UCFvsMU

By Doug Richards on February 20, 2013 8:03 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • 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.

10 Tweetable Tidbits for #UCFatUTEP

By Doug Richards on February 16, 2013 9:19 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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

Creavalle Poised for Big Year with Houston Dynamo

By Doug Richards on February 13, 2013 3:35 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Former UCF star Warren Creavalle is poised for a big year with the Houston Dynamo. As a rookie in 2012, he appeared in 11 contests and made five starts.

HoustonDynamo.com has a story on Creavalle, who helped UCF to the 2010 and 2011 NCAA Tournaments, and his excitement heading into his second MLS season.

Click here to read the story.

10 Tweetable Tidbits for #UCFatMEM

By Doug Richards on February 13, 2013 8:23 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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 is Back Monday on BHSN

By Doug Richards on February 11, 2013 1:22 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

@MOD4Three - East Carolina

By Mike O'Donnell on February 10, 2013 2:33 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Offense
- Total team effort last night. Everything was clicking for the Knights in the half court.
- 9 three-pointers in the first half! 11 for the game. #handdownmandown #whyhave2whenyoucanhave3 # BWWwings
- Even more impressive than the Knights three point shooting barrage were the 18 assists to only 7 turnovers. You want to analyze team chemistry? Look no further than the assist to turnover stat line.
- Scoring was evenly spread with Spurlock, Clanton, Sykes, Newell and Wilson all scoring in double figures. 83 total points = UCF basketball answer to the fiscal cliff... Free oil change at Carl Black
- East Carolina played 2-3 zone most of the game. ECU struggled guarding Clanton playing man-2-man in the previous matchup so their game plan was clearly to contain him with a zone. Unfortunately they did a poor job boxing out and the Knights had 20 offensive rebounds.
- Should I even talk about Sykes' second triple double of the season? I'll see you at the Intangibles section. #SykesYouOut

Defense
- Knights mixed between man and zone.
- Newell did a great job of frustrating Miguel Paul. Newell forced Paul into 8 turnovers on the night. Kept ECU out of rhythm.
- Knights forced 16 ECU turnovers and capitalized almost every time scoring 17 points off those turnovers. #Lockitup #NoYoulockitup
- Great job of guarding the 3-point line in the second half. ECU is a very streaky team and their shooters are known to get hot from the outside quickly. Held ECU to 25% 3-point shooting in the second half.
- Apparently Clanton can rebound the ball fairly well. #FearTheBeard #BITB33 #Iwantabeard

Intangibles
- Most basketball players go an entire career without event coming close to a triple-double. Isaiah Sykes now has two this season. A truly remarkable feat.
- This team is playing its best basketball of the season right now.
- Why won't UCF Marketing feature me on the Little Caesars dance cam? I love pizza and dancing, but my future wife says that dancing in public for pizza is not for people who cannot dance. #irishproblems
- The Beard is now the all-time leading rebounder at UCF. So many congrats to a true UCF Knight!
- Marc Daniels and I will always be Team Calzone during the Mellow Mushroom race. #Georgeneedshiscalzone #seinfeldquote
- All-American trainer Andy Reber was bested last night in the best dressed category by SID of the Year Doug Richards. Doug was sporting a deep V cardigan and a blue bowtie. #bowtiealwayswins

Jones to Talk C-USA Success During Radio Show

By Doug Richards on February 10, 2013 11:04 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

10 Tweetable Tibits for #UCFvsECU

By Doug Richards on February 9, 2013 9:25 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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

@MOD4Three - Southern Miss

By Mike O'Donnell on February 7, 2013 1:07 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

10 Tweetable Tidbits for #UCFvsUSM

By Doug Richards on February 6, 2013 10:04 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • 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

BLOG: Getting a Head Start

By Andrew Jennette on February 5, 2013 2:03 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Although signing day is just around the corner, three members of the Knights' 2013 recruiting class have already been on campus since January. Quarterbacks Pete DiNovo and Justin Holman as well as defensive back D.J. Killings have gotten a head start on the process by enrolling early for the spring. 

UCFAthletics.com caught up with fellow early enrollees  Breshad Perriman, Joey Grant, Justin Tukes as well as director of player personnel Drew Hughes as they spoke about the advantages as well as the challenges of enrolling early.

A reminder the UCF Signing Day Show is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 6, in the Bright House Networks Stadium recruiting lounge from 5:45-6:45 p.m. More information on the day's events can be found at here.



UCF rowing commit Rachael Klunder has been named the 2012 Junior Female Sculler of the Year by Rowing Canada Aviron, the organization announced at its conference Jan. 26-27, in Vancouver, B.C.



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A native of Smithville, Ontario, Klunder rows for the South Niagara Rowing Club and won the award for her victory in the Senior Women's Single event at the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association (CSSRA) Championships in June while competing for her high school, E.L. Crossley Secondary School.



Rachael will be enrolling at UCF this summer and will compete for the Knights in the 2013-2014 rowing season.



John Herdman, coach of Canada's 2012 bronze medal women's Olympic soccer team was the guest presenter. The event also included presentations by national coaches and top sports scientists. Special guests included 2012 Olympians, the Minister of State (Sport), Bal Gosal, and past Olympic medalists.



The UCF rowing team opens up its season with an exhibition Feb. 9 against Michigan in Sarasota, Fla.



Back From the Pros: Darnell Sweeney

By Eric DeSalvo on February 4, 2013 2:25 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

UCF head baseball coach Terry Rooney has done many things for his program in his fifth year on the job. Not only has he created a winning environment with back-to-back regional appearances, but also welcomes back former Knights who are preparing for their professional seasons.



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Early in the spring, if you stop by the UCF baseball complex you will see many familiar faces who helped put UCF on the map. One of those former Knights that works out on campus is current Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguer Darnell Sweeney.



From 2010-12, when looking at the UCF lineup card, No. 21 was slotted at shortstop all but one game in his career. Sweeney was an iron man for the Knights, starting 178 contests, which ranks 12th all-time at UCF. The .301-career hitter swiped 49 bags and also drove in crucial runs, ranking fourth all-time with 14 sacrifice flies.



The C-USA All-Freshman Team honoree collected many awards over his career, including a spot on the Coral Gables All-Regional Team this past June. Following his three-year stint with the Knights, Sweeney's name was called in the 13th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers to become the third of six Knights drafted in 2012.



The Miramar native wasted no time this summer impressing in the minor leagues. After three weeks at rookie ball with the Ogden Raptors, Sweeney was called up to Single-A Great Lakes where he played 51 games for the Loons of the Midwest League. He led the team in batting average (.291) by nearly 20 points out of players with more than 30 at-bats, and showed off his power and speed with five homers and 17 stolen bases.



Working out in Orlando until early March, Sweeney will be one of five "Knights of Honor" inducted into the Tradition Room on Opening Knight. Make sure to watch Sweeney in the video below talk about his time at UCF and life in the minor leagues.

Inside UCF Basketball Airs Monday on BHSN

By Doug Richards on February 4, 2013 11:57 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

Daniels Download Feb. 4th to 10

By Chip Fontanazza on February 4, 2013 9:33 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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. 15th against Siena. Get your season tickets right here at UCFAthletics.com.



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



Donnie Jones Radio Show Set for Monday

By Doug Richards on February 3, 2013 6:59 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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.

10 Tweetable Tidbits for #UCFatMARSH

By Doug Richards on February 2, 2013 7:54 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

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 .

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  • #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

Calling All Women's Basketball Alumni

By Jenna Marina on February 1, 2013 11:44 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

If you are a former player, the Knights would like to invite you to their Alumni Day on Feb. 24 when UCF hosts East Carolina at 2 p.m.



 A

fter watching the conference matchup, stick around for a tour and a meet and greet with the team.



 T

o RSVP and for more information, contact Jenny Gilman at jgilman@athletics.ucf.edu or 407-823-6266 by Feb. 18.


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The Knights Sprint Into Nebraska

By Chip Fontanazza on February 1, 2013 10:03 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

After nearly ten hours of travel, the UCF women's track and field has arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska to participate in this weekend's Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational. The Knights will compete against some of the top teams in the nation inside the Bob Devaney Sports Center.


The meet will take place on both Friday and Saturday in an area that is nearly 50 degrees colder than Orlando. This will be the first indoor meet in the mid-west that the Knights will compete in this season.

To find out more about the Knights' trip to the Cornhusker State watch the video above.