University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
16-12,7-8AAC
University of Central Florida
14-13,5-10AAC
MBB Rolls to 81-65 Victory over UCF
2/26/2020 9:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HARTFORD, Conn. – The UConn men's basketball team earned their first win over UCF in the Dan Hurley era, rolling to an 81-65 triumph over the Knights Wednesday night at the XL Center. The Huskies improve to 16-12 overall (7-8 AAC) while UCF falls to 14-13 (5-10) on the year.
Senior Christian Vital and junior Isaiah Whaley shared the team lead with 18 points, with Whaley matching a career-best in the category. He also posted a team-high 11 rebounds and two block, while Vital grabbed seven boards and tallied a team-leading four steals. Freshman James Bouknight was the third Husky to finish the game in double figures, chipping in 16 points to go along with his seven rebounds.
UConn got off to a quick start and held an 11-6 lead at the first media timeout. After UCF scored 10 of the next 12 to surge ahead, the Huskies countered with a 9-0 run to regain a 25-18 advantage. The teams traded baskets over the remainder of the half, with UConn holding a 36-32 lead at the break.
The Husky defense racked up seven steals and scored 11 points off eight UCF turnovers in the second half. Baskets from Alterique Gilbert, Vital and Josh Carlton ignited the Huskies, and a three-point play from Vital capped a 9-0 run that allowed UConn to open up a 58-42 lead.
UCF cut their deficit to 11 following Tony Johnson's pullup jumper but that's as close as they would get. The home team outscored the Knights 11-5 over the final eight minutes of the frame to come away with the 16-point victory.
