UCF spoiled former Knights assistant Steve Demeo’s return to Orlando with a 80-62 drubbing of Newberry College. Demeo, the new head coach at Newberry, served as an assistant under Kirk Speraw last season, helping to develop many of the Knights who defeated his squad Tuesday night.
Video by Kyle Sorice.
The Knights were keyed by their post offense, outscoring Newberry 46-22 in the paint. AJ Tyler led the way with 16 points adding 9 rebounds as the Knights big men took advantage of the smaller Newberry post players.
Taylor Young led the way for the Knights backcourt with 11 points including 3 three pointers. UCF as a team shot 6 of 13 from behind the arc after finishing the first half 5-6. AJ Rompza spread the ball around the Knights scorers with 7 assists.
Defensively the Knights were able to force Newberry into 22 turnovers thanks to 15 steals including five from Rompza. Coach Speraw downplayed the defensive accomplishments saying, “I’m not happy with the defense honestly.” Newberry had nine more rebounds than the Knights, causing Speraw wonder about UCF’s desire.
The first half was defined by streaks from both teams. UCF opened with an 8-0 run holding Newberry scoreless for the first five minutes of the game. Newberry went on a 9-0 run to close within one point with nine minutes to go in the first half, but a 11-0 run by the Knights increased the lead to 15 points before the half.
Head football coach George O’Leary and seniors Corey Hogue, Rocky Ross, and Torell Troup made an appearance at halftime to celebrate UCFs invite to the St.Petersburg Bowl, and to implore Knights fans to attend the game. Tickets are available through UCF at UCFBowl.com.
Notes:
- UCF Freshman RJ Scott and Nik Garcia scored their first points in a UCF uniform.
- Tempers boiled over for Newberry when Devante Cutler picked up a technical foul with UCF adding to a 15point lead.
- Demeo commented on the strong development the Knights have undergone since last season, in particular the improvement of Dave Diakite, a player he personally recruited out of Washington DC.
