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With a roster featuring 11 new players, UCF coach Johnny Dawkins knew chemistry would be crucial to the Knights’ success in Year 2 of the Big 12.
That team dynamic would be tested in the season opener against No. 13 Texas A&M, a program coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
To make things even more challenging, UCF was without two key players: guards Jaylin Sellers and Mikey Williams, who were sidelined with injuries.
Yet, here were the Knights hanging tough with another ranked opponent before pulling off a 64-61 upset over the Aggies Monday night. Dawkins’ team rallied from 11 points down with 7:03 left in the second half, earning their first win over a ranked foe in a season-opener in program history.
UCF basketball set to debut a more versatile roster in Year 2 of Big 12
It was the fourth win against a ranked opponent in the past two seasons and the 11th overall.
“What an opening game to play against a team with that type of experience, that type of talent,” Dawkins said following the win. “It was great for our team. Bringing in 11 new guys, you don’t know what to expect. They showed me something today. They showed me they could play with some composure and the moment wasn’t too big for them.”
Senior guard Darius Johnson led the Knights with 24 points, his ninth career 20-plus point game and the third in the last six contests dating to last season.
“This is a statement game,” said Johnson, who was 5 of 11 on 3-pointers. “People will underestimate us, but moving forward, we must make people respect us.”
Transfers Jordan Ivy-Curry (16 points), Keyshawn Hall (10) and JJ Taylor (10) stepped up alongside Johnson.
UCF (1-0) struggled shooting, connecting on just 25% (8 of 32) in the first half, but six were 3s. Still, the Knights were tied at the half, 29-29, thanks to a solid defensive effort that limited the Aggies (0-1) to just two baskets in the last 6:30 minutes.
The team bounced back in the second half by shooting 50% (9 of 18) despite…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-basketball-sets-tone-2024-182600131.html
Author : Orlando Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-11-05 18:26:00
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