ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) — ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF men's basketball team shot 75.9 percent from the floor in the second half to defeat visiting Flagler by a score of 96-70 Tuesday night in an exhibition at CFE Arena.
After going into halftime leading just 40-35, the Knights outscored the Saints 56-35 in the final 20 minutes, including a 15-4 run early in the second half to put the Saints away.
Freshman B.J. Taylor led four players in double figures with 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the floor. The Knights played nine guys 13 minutes or more in an effort to get plenty of experience for the young squad.
B.J. Taylor leads the way in first outing as a Knight
The freshman looked strong and efficient in his 23-point performance. Taylor added eight rebounds, went 2-of-4 from beyond the arc and got to the free throw line five times. The Orlando native added three assists and turned the ball over once from the point guard position.
Taylor happy to play in front of home town fans
“I was out here in front of all my friends and family. I’m from Orlando and I grew up here so it was a very exciting experience for me. I was really focused on playing the right way, getting my teammates the ball, and getting the win more than anything.”
Shaheed Davis’ double-double proves UCF has plenty of new talent
Junior transfer Davis went 7-for-10 from the floor for 16 points. He added a team-high 11 rebounds, including three on the offensive end. The 6-9 Davis also showed range, connecting on 2-of-3 from long distance.
The new-look Knights shared the ball with success
A key to the Knights’ second half surge was team play and quick passing. UCF finished the night with 20 assists on 38 baskets, turning the ball over only 13 times. UCF shot 75.9 percent in the second half and had a 60.3 percent mark for the game.
Head Coach Donnie Jones happy with second half offense
“I thought the second half we shared the ball much better. We ended with 20 assists, which is always our goal. We also shot well in the second half at 76 percent. We eventually wore them down and made some adjustments at halftime.”
UCF used inside strength and Flagler’s turnovers to its advantage
The Knights outscored the Saints 58-28 in the paint, as Davis, Staphon Blair, Justin McBride and Kasey Wilson punished Flagler in the paint. Blair finished with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and a number of thunderous dunks.
Plenty of experience was there to be had in exhibition play for the Knights
UCF played 11 players in total and the team’s bench outscored Flagler’s 30-13. The Knights will look to use that depth to their advantage moving forward. McBride came off the bench to score all seven of his points in the first half. The big man added five rebounds and two blocks in just 13 minutes of action.
Second exhibition will conclude preseason action for Knights
UCF will next host Georgia College on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The Knights and the Bobcats will tip off at 7 p.m. from CFE Arena.
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