UCF edged USC Upstate 76-69 on Sunday, jumping out to a three game winning streak to begin the season.
The game was a constant give-and-take with 18 total lead changes, neither team able to break far away until the final minutes.
“The way we defended the last 12 minutes of the game was the difference. We didn’t give up one three-point shot… and zero offensive rebounds, second shots,” Coach Donnie Jones said. “We won with defense.”
An infusion of new talent has energized the new-look Knights, providing a spark that seemed to missing a year ago. They are learning to close games and to do it with confidence, refusing to back down from a hard fought game in which they trailed at the half.
“The energy has been good. That’s one thing about young guys, sometimes they don’t know and that’s a good thing. They’re almost naive to being tired or things not going their way sometimes. These guys really love to play, they like each other,” Jones said.
Freshman B.J. Taylor exploded onto the scene today with 25 points, seven assists and three steals. He was easily the most electric player on the court – something noticed not just by those watching from the outside.
“I told him the other day, he’s probably the best point guard I’ve ever played with, all around. He can score 25 points, get six assists, eight rebounds. It’s just crazy, he does it all” Kasey Wilson said. “He makes it easy for us because he draws so much attention, all I have to do is wait to get the ball.”
Wilson had a quiet double-double on his own, the only one of the day after accumulating 10 points and 10 rebounds. He was one of four players that played over 30 minutes, along with Taylor, Staphon Blair and Adonys Henriquez.
Staphon Blair’s defense was crucial to the victory, leading the attack on the Spartan’s shooting game with seven blocks. The most critical defense was played in the final minutes, totally nullifying the USC offense.
The second half in general brought with it more passion from the Knights. B.J. Taylor explained that it was a simple matter and mindset to configure at the half that allowed them to dominate the second half.
“In the second half, our whole thing was just effort,” Taylor said. “The x’s and o’s and the offense will take care of itself, our biggest thing was just effort.”
If this team can begin the next game with the intensity put forth toward the end, there will be no stopping them. UCF next hosts Davidson Wednesday night at 7 pm.
