Four Canes scored in double digits as the Miami Hurricanes (7-1) overpowered the UCF Knights (6-3), 72-50, in a game the Knights had lost the moment they tipped off.
Durand Scott led the Canes with 17 points while Dr. Phillips grad Shane Larkin contributed 11 points, six assists and two steals. Miami’s tank of a center, Reggie Johnson, nonchalantly added 16 points and 13 rebounds to the clinic.
Right from the gun, UCF could not match Miami’s intensity. Once Miami sprinted out to a 14-2 lead, that was all she wrote. UCF never came within 10 for the duration of the bout. While Miami was playing hard, playing fast, and lacing jumpers, UCF looked like they were enjoying a casual morning shoot around.
“We were having a hard time scoring…” UCF coach Donnie Jones said,” and I thought our team didn’t handle that very well early on.”
Going into half the Knights had shot 30.4% from the floor, making only one of nine 3FG attempts. They ended the day shooting 35.4% and 22.7% from behind the arc. Shooting like that, especially against a Miami team that likes to run, will never get the job done.
“I dont think we took great shots, we were kinda going one on one a lot, they’re a good defensive team but I think we could have taken better shots.” UCF forward Kasey Wilson said.
Wilson had nine points on an efficient 3-5 FGA from the field.
On the bright side, UCF does have one of the youngest teams in the nation, compared to Miami’s slew of Juniors and Seniors (6 Sr and 4 Jr), and the UCF youth got plenty of playing time tonight against a very experienced team.
Freshman Daiquan Walker scored nine points in his 27 minutes, but more importantly he led the team at the point guard position and got valuable experience conducting the offense.
“Daiquan Walker was a bright spot in the second half, he came in to run our offense and hit a couple shots. I thought he pushed the ball and played with good energy so I was very pleased with his efforts. He continues to improve and with that he’ll continue to play more.” Jones said.
Isaiah Sykes and Keith Clanton both played 39 minutes to keep some consistency and experience on the floor at all times. Clanton had 15 points with 9 boards while Sykes added nine points of his own.
The Knights will look past the loss and prepare for Stetson at home on Thursday night at 7P.M.
