ORLANDO — UCF dominated out-of-conference opponent Florida Technical Institute 90-62 on the hot hands of a pair of freshmen, Daiquan Walker and Matt Williams Jr., Saturday afternoon at the UCF Arena.
4,125 attended the game as Walker and Williams had 15 and 21 points respectively both shooting over 75% from the field on the night. For Walker, it was his season debut in his first game back since his appendix burst earlier this year.
“It just feels good to be back on the court playing especially with all I’ve been through with my appendix bursting all the trials and tribulations, I’ve been through it just feels good to play again,” said Williams JR.
Although the freshmen shined the most, they weren’t on their own this night. Five Knights were in double figures with senior Keith Clanton (13 points, 11 rebounds) and sophomore Kasey Wilson (16 points, 11 rebounds) contributing double-doubles.
Wilson especially created sparks when the Knights were going through dry spells with impact plays.
“Kasey is a mismatch four man with his ability to shoot threes now,his handle has gotten better, and he is rebounding the ball really well now,” said UCF head coach Donnie Jones.
The Knights had a sloppy first half of play committing 14 turnovers in the opening period leading to a 29-38 score at the break, but settled down in the second half playing a more team oriented style of ball passing the ball, leading to open shots usually by Walker or Williams.
The Knights have a two week break before resuming play Dec.12 against Bethune-Cookman a break which Jones says his team will take full advantage of.
“These next few days will give us a chance to really take film of what we have done. Almost like start training camp again and just continue to improve,” said Jones.
