UCF hosted NC A&T today for an afternoon hoops matchup.  It would be UCF’s last game to before beginning conference play next week & also searching for Head Coach Johnny Dawkins 100th win at UCF. 

The Knights were a little understaffed missing a few role players due to illness but it didn’t slow down their tempo or scoring.  Other than for a few minutes early in the first half, the Knights stayed in control throughout the game.  Team scoring leader Darin Green Jr. led all scorers with 18 points.  Sophomores Isaiah Adams & Tyem Freeman stepped up with an acrobatic show adding 13 points & 9 points respectively, followed by Brandon Mahan with 11 points & Darius Perry adding another 9 points.    

Led by junior guard Demteric Horton with 17 points, NC A&T played a solid second half.  At one point, the Aggies surprised the Knights with an effective full court press which helped the Aggies close to within 7 points midway thru the second half.   UCF would settle down and go on to close out the win 83-68 & earning their head coach Johnny Dawkins his 100th career win at UCF.

Whats next:  UCF moves to 6-2 overall & will begin conference play on Wednesday, 12/15 at Temple 6-4.  NC A&T falls to 3-8 overall & will play at East Tennessee St on Tuesday, 12/14

GAME STATS

UCF: 83 pts,  52.5% 2-PT, 11-28 39.30% 3-PT, 8-15 FT, 40 rebs, 19 assists, 17 TO, 8 STL, 5 Blks

NC A&T: 68 pts,  40.7% 2-PT, 6-22 27.3% 3-PT, 14-17 FT, 30 rebs, 13 assists, 15 TO, 12 STL

Individual Leaders:

UCF – D. Green Jr. 18pts, I. Adams 13pts, B. Mahan 11pts, T Freeman & D. Perry 9 pts

NC A&T:  D. Horton 17pts, 7 rebs; J. Robinson 11pts; D. Beatty 10pts,;& M Watson 9pts 2 blks

Photos: Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports