Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Isaiah Sykes registered a double-double with 21
points and 10 rebounds to lead the UCF Knights to a 74-65 win over the SMU
Mustangs in a Conference USA tilt at UCF Arena.
Calvin Newell scored 17 points for UCF (14-5, 4-1 C-USA), which won its third
straight contest. Tristan Spurlock chipped in 14 points, six boards and four
blocked shots for the home team.
Ryan Manuel netted 17 points before fouling out and Nick Russell contributed
15 points and a game-high six assists for SMU (11-10, 1-4). Jalen Jones and
Cannen Cunningham finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
UCF came out and hit 44.8 percent of its shot attempts and knocked down four
triples in the first half while SMU struggled from deep, hitting just 1-of-5
3-point attempts. The Knights went into the locker room holding a 38-32
advantage.
SMU trailed for most of the second half before storming back from down 11 with
less than ten minutes remaining to tie the score at 63-63 with 3:45 left when
Cunningham dunked home an offensive rebound. Sykes scored the next five points
for UCF, including a three-point play on the ensuing possession, to keep the
momentum in the Knights' favor. A crucial turnover by Jones late led to free
throws for Kasey Wilson, who iced the game from the line.
The UCF reserves outscored the SMU bench, 11-3.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network