UCF downs Houston on Senior Night

UCF+senior+Isaiah+Sykes+had+22+points%2C+five+rebounds+and+four+assists+during+the+Knights+win+over+Houston+on+Senior+Night.

Cody Taylor / Valencia Voice

UCF senior Isaiah Sykes had 22 points, five rebounds and four assists during the Knights win over Houston on Senior Night.

Senior Isaiah Sykes made his final collegiate game at the CFE Arena a memorable one, as his 24 points helped lead the UCF Knights to a 104-83 victory over the Houston Cougars on Senior Night on Wednesday.

Sykes’ 24 points gave him his ninth 20+ point game of the season, while his eight rebounds gave him his 15th 7+ rebound game.

“The thing about (Sykes) is he’s led us in rebounds, he’s led us in assists, he’s led us in scoring.“ said UCF head coach Donnie Jones.

UCF started the game on a 7-0 run, which included a three-pointer from senior Isaac Lang.

The Knights led Houston 26-6 midway through the opening half, while out rebounding the Cougars 16-4.

UCF went into halftime leading Houston 50-32, while shooting 51.7% from the floor in the opening half.

Sykes led all scorers in the first half with 16 points, while fellow senior Calvin Newell had eight and Tristan Spurlock scored six points of his own.

Houston tried mounting a comeback in the second half, but just couldn’t cool down the Knights’ three-point shooting. UCF finished the game shooting 11-30 from behind the three-point en route to a 104-83.

“I’m happy for the seniors,” said Jones. “All four of those guys got to go out the right way.”

With the win UCF ends the regular season with a 12-17 record, while going 4-14 in conference play.

“Winning is the best medicine.” said Jones after the game with a smile.

The Knights will now prepare for their opening round game in the American Athletic Conference on Wednesday, March 12 at 9:30 p.m. UCF will face the winner of Saturday’s USF-Temple game. UCF’s AAC first round game will be shown on ESPN 2.