UCF is coming off a very solid season, in which they went 16-5, advanced to the American Athletic Conference championship game, and made an appearance in the NCAA tournament. With most of the roster returning, expectations are similar to last year’s.

The Knights got off to a slow start, going back and forth with the Dukes throughout the first half, resulting in a two point lead going into the break. Coming out of the half, UCF flipped the momentum and were able to put Duquesne away with ease. The Knights outscored the Dukes by 27 points in the second half and held them to shooting just 24% from the field.

Senior guard, Diamond Battles and junior guard, Ahna Burney led the team in scoring with 16 points each. Fifth year forward, Masseny Kaba, held it down in the post, finishing the game with 11 points and 9 rebounds.GAME STATS

UCF: 68 pts,  .379 2-PT, .320 3-PT, .714 FT, 45 rebs, 19 assists, 13 TO, 14 STL, 5 Blks

Duquesne: 39 pts, .288 2-PT, .192 3-PT, 1.00 FT, 33 rebs, 9 assists, 23 TO, 5 STL

Individual Leaders:

UCF –  D.Battle 16pts, 5 rebs, 5 assists, 3 steals, 4/6 3-PT

A.Burney 16pts 2 blks, 6/12 2-PT, 4/10 3/PT

M.Kaba – 11 pts, 9 rebs

Photos: Sean Russell & Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports