November 23, 2002

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Golden Knights were unable to find a rhythm offensively and were plagued by 22 turnovers as they came out on the short end of a 68-56 decision to Navy at Alumni Hall Friday evening.
Trailing 26-25 at the half, UCF immediately took a one-point lead to start the second half on an Ed Dotson lay-up. It was the last lead the Knights would hold as they were then held scoreless for the next five-and-a-half minutes as the Midshipmen went on an 11-0 run putting UCF in a 37-27 hole. Marcell Cummings, who connected on a pair of three-pointers, capped off the Navy run.
UCF (0-1) continued to claw its way back as Dotson finished off a three-point play with just over nine minutes remaining to bring UCF back to 43-38. The Knights continued to keep things within striking distance as they again pulled to within five points when senior Marius Boyd hit a free throw to complete a traditional three-point play after being fouled on a drive to the basket.
The Knights were unable to get any closer as Mitch Moore, who finished with a game high 19 points, hit a pair of jumpers while Cummings and Jason Jeanpierre each hit threes to give Navy a 10-point lead with 1:47 remaining. UCF continued to pressure with defense and answer with points, but were forced to foul to stop the clock, sending Navy (1-0) to the free-throw line eight times in the final 46 seconds.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half as they combined for 25 turnovers and were tied at 10 with just over 10 minutes remaining. The UCF defense remained active as they had nine of their 12 steals in the first half. Scott Long's three-point shot at the buzzer gave the Midshipmen a 26-25 advantage at the half.
    Dotson paced the Knights offensively with 14 points, while Boyd led UCF on the boards with nine. Al Miller had six of the team's 12 steals.  UCF shot just 38 percent from the field and just 26 percent from behind the arc, including just 2-of-10 in the second half. Ray Abellard was the only other player in double figures for the Knights finishing with 12.
    Navy had four players in double figures led by Moore's 19. Cummings finished with 13, while Francis Ebong and Jeanpierre each added 12. Long had seven boards to lead the Midshipmen, who shot 42 percent from the field.
    Both sides finished the game with 36 boards apiece.
    The Golden Knights will return to Orlando for their home opener against Niagara on Monday, Nov. 25. Tip-off is slated for 7:30.


 

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