The UCF Knights kicked off their American Conference schedule tonight against the Wichita State Shockers at Addition Financial Arena.  UCF entered the game with a 9-3 overall record of which all 3 losses, including a 64-66 loss to #14 Miami, are by a combined 7 points.  Wichita State came in with a 7-7 record and without their leading scorer, guard Craig Porter Jr.

Although the score remained within 8 points throughout and tied 3 different times, UCF never allowed Wichita State to lead the game at any point.  When the Shockers made a run to get close, UCF countered each and every time.  No time was bigger than when UCF guard Darius Johnson got back to back steals leading to transition layups midway thru the second half.  UCF’s transition game was possibly the best so far this year scoring 15 points on fast breaks.  

UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins has put a big emphasis on defense and it was it full effect tonight.  Dawkins’ Knights held the shockers to just 35% shooting from the field, 35% from the arc, forced 15 turnovers, and added 5 blocks.  In doing so, UCF held Wichita State to 45 points and achieved their defensive goal each game of holding their opponents to under 50 points.

“I don’t feel we’re on pace yet of where I want us to be or we’re capable of but the guys are understanding more of what I want.  As the rotations get more consistent and they continue to get more comfortable with them, the progression of growth gets much quicker.”

UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins on if he feels their defense is on pace now compared to the beginning of the season.

In the win, UCF improves to 10-3 overall 1-0 AAC.  Up next, the Knights will face a huge conference road game against currently ranked #3 Houston on Saturday, December 31 at 2:00 p.m.    Wichita State will look to bounce back at home against East Carolina on Saturday, December 31 at 3:00p.m.

STATS

ATTENDANCE: 4,225

UCF:  52pts, 19-53 2-PT,55-22 3-PT, 9-10 FT, 34 rebs(14 off, 20 def), 14 assists, 9 TO, 8 steals, 15 pts fast break, 17 pts off TO

Wichita St: 45pts, 14-40 2-PT, 7-20 3-PT, 10-13 FT, 27 rebs(7 off, 20 def), 9 assists, 15 TO, 5 steals

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

UCF: D. Johnson 15pts 5 rebs 4 steals, T. Hendricks 9 pts 5 rebs 2 blocks, B. Suggs 9 pts, C.J. Kelly 8 pts 7 rebs 2 blocks

Wichita St: M. Flanagan 11 pts, J. Pierre Jr. 7 pts. J. Rojas 6 pts 5 rebs, J. Walton 5 pts 8 rebs

Photo credit: Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports