Game recap:
The UCF Knights opened their season defeating the West Florida Argonauts 115-61
New UCF coach Donnie Jones has his Knights perfect so far.
UCF began the Donnie Jones era in dominating fashion, taking control of West Florida early and turning the contest into a blowout fairly quickly.
The Knights began the game in a full court press and were able to force the Argonauts into a flurry of mistakes leading to 23 turnovers, including 15 in the first half alone. AJ Rompza, who ranked ninth in the country last season in steals and is currently tenth in UCF history, led the way with 3 steals. Michigan State transfer Tom Herzog chipped in with 4 blocks to contribute to the defensive dominance. The Knights were also able to control the boards, out-rebounded West Florida 45-30.
Marcus Jordan and Keith Clanton led the charge offensively for the Knights with 28 and 24 points respectively. Jordan opened the scoring for the Knights with a three pointer. He would add four more to finish the game five of seven from behind the arc. Clanton shot a perfect 9-9 from the floor. In total UCF was able to shoot 67%. Mike Lewis led the Argonauts in points with 15.
All 14 Knights on the roster got into the game tonight. Herzog, Dwight McCombs, Isaiah Sykes, and Jarvis Davis all made their UCF debuts. McCombs contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds, and a couple thundering slam dunks. Every Knight scored tonight except for Dogukan Kuzucan.
The Knights were frequent visitors to the free throw line and shot 25-39.
UCF has now won nine consecutive season openers and their last 21 home games in the month of November.
First Half recap:
The Knights lead the Argonauts 56-27 after the first half.
Marcus Jordan scored the first points of the season for UCF, draining a three pointer in the games opening minutes. Jordan currently leads the Knights in points with 16, including shooting 4-4 from three point range. Keith Clanton’s 15 points on 6-6 shooting are second.
The Knights came out with full court pressure defense and it worked, forcing 15 first half turnovers. AJ Rompza, who finished ninth in the country in steals last year, is leading the defense with three.
Tom Herzog, a seven foot transfer from Michigan State, added to the defensive dominance with 3 blocks. Herzog, Dwight Mccombs, Isaiah Skykes, and Jarvis Davis made their UCF debuts in the half. Herzog scored 2, Davis had 3, and Sykes added 4.
UCF was able to get to the free throw line often, but struggled from, shooting only 12 for 22
All 14 Knights played in the first half.
Pre-game: UCF opens their season tonight against the West Florida Argonauts at the UCF Arena.
Donnie Jones makes his head coaching debut tonight for UCF after spending the previous three seasons at Marshall.
For the second year in a row, Michael Jordan is in the house for the Knight’s opening game to watch his son.
Starting Lineups:
UCF:
- PG- AJ Rompza
- SG- Marcus Jordan
- SF- Dave Diakite
- PF- Keith Clanton
- C- Tom Herzog
West Florida:
- G- Anthony Sims
- G- Mike Lewis
- F- Jamar Moore
- F- Darryl McGee
- F- Terrance Beasley
Click here to see what this season has in store for the men’s basketball team.
