Another close called game on UCF’s senior day had the Knight’s fall short, causing them to hand over a 71-66 loss to East Carolina.
UCF held the lead through the second half before the Pirates one-up’d the score 35-36 with 16:51 to go. The rest of the half never saw a lead larger than 4 points until an ECU player closed it out with 2 free throws. Goodwin saw an opportunity to bring the game into overtime, driving down the lane with a shot in the paint, but couldn’t connect. A few fouls on both sides ended the final minute of the contest from the free throw line until the clock ran out.
“It was a disappointing loss because I wanted it for the seniors as much as anything,” said head coach Donnie Jones. “We had a key turnover there late and they [came] down and hit a big three and [went] up two. We’re still fine and then we come down and don’t score and execute. This one will sting for a while and then tomorrow well turn it over and get right back on South Florida here on Wednesday, and try to end this season on a good note going into the tournament.”
Seniors Kasey Wilson and Myles Davis were recognized at their last UCF home game, with both players on the receiving end of “thank-you’s” and pictures from a number of student and alumni basketball fans.
Wilson came to UCF on a scholarship as a freshman and started for the team the following three years, etching his name several times into UCF record books. The senior finished the night with five rebounds, seven points and two steals. Myles Davis walked on for the Knights and has been a motivator on and off of the court according to his team. Davis tallied a steal in his last minutes on the court.
“Everybody was thanking me, but it was really about me thanking them,” said Wilson on his final home game. “They’ve been with me all four years, they’ve gotten to know me and watch me grow as a person and player. It was special to have so many people that I don’t know come up to me and say ‘thank you’ to me.”
“I just want to thank everybody who has supported me over the last four years here and I greatly appreciate it.”
The Knights’ last regular season game will be against USF on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at USF’s Sun Dome. Last time around, UCF beat the Bulls with a 73-62 win. Following Wednesday’s game, UCF will have a week before beginning American Athletic Conference play in Hartford, Connecticut.
