Jan. 28, 2010
By Isaac Babcock
The Voice
The Knights' trouble in conference play continued Saturday as they lost badly to UTEP, 96-59. The blowout was one of the worst losses in UCF basketball history on their home court. They dropped to 10-9 overall and 2-3 in the conference.
But the blowout wasn't always certain in the Knights' fifth conference game this season. Halfway into it, they were only down by 3 as they headed into the break down 44-41. In the second half, the Knights collapsed just as UTEP picked up the pace, outscoring the home team 52-18.
That came despite center Keith Clanton's efforts at the basket, leading the team again, with 19 points and six rebounds. A.J. Rompza was right behind him with 13 points and six steals in the game. A.J. Tyler also had a strong effort with 12 points and 8 rebounds on the night.
Given the most playing time in a game that he's had all season, Marcus Jordan fizzled. Despite leading his team for the first game this year in time on the floor, he also led in missed shots, bricking all 9 he took from the floor, though he redeemed himself with 5 free throws and 4 rebounds.
The team's troubles at the start of conference play have managed to eerily mirror those suffered by the football team in the fall, when the Knights lost their first two conference games, nearly eliminating their chances of a championship later in the season. The football team bounced back though, roaring to six straight conference wins.
For the Knights, their first five conference games may have been some of their toughest of the season. As of Saturday night they will have played 4 of the top 6 teams in the Conference in just their first 6 games of conference play.
The Knights traveled to Dallas to play SMU at press time Wednesday, and will return at 5 p.m. Saturday to face C-USA foe Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane is 16-3 overall and undefeated at 5-0 in the conference.
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