Recap: U-C-F vs. U-A-B

Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Keith Clanton finished with 22 points to lead the UCF Knights over the UAB Blazers, 71-63, in a Conference USA matchup at UCF Arena.

For the Knights (21-9, 10-6 C-USA), Marcus Jordan added 16 points, Isaiah Sykes finished with 15 points and A.J. Rompza registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists.

Jordan Swing led the Blazers (14-15, 9-7) with 17 points, while Cameron Moore and Quincy Taylor each finished with 13.

UCF came out hot, shooting 57.7 percent from the field, including 10-of-17 from beyond the arc. UAB struggled, making just 28.1 percent, and only 5- of-16 from three-point range, as the Knights built a commanding lead at halftime, 46-26.

After the break, the Blazers attempted a comeback by connecting on 48.4 percent of their field goals, but only 3-of-10 on three-pointers. The Knights cooled off from the field, shooting 39.1 percent and missed all but one of their three-pointers in the second half, but they were able to hold on for the victory.

UAB converted 11 UCF turnovers into 19 points. The Blazers also had an edge in points in the paint, 28-24.