November 14, 2002

Freshmen forward Marcus McGee scored 16 points, including a stretch of 13 in a row during a key second half run, as UCF defeated Conarpesa of Argentina, 101-89, in exhibition action Wednesday evening at UCF Arena.

McGee, playing in his first game as a Golden Knight, helped UCF pull away midway through the second period. UCF held just a five-point bulge with eight minutes left in the game until McGee caught fire.

The 6-6 forward from Ft. Lauderdale started his own personal run with a three-pointer from the corner. On the Golden Knights next possession, he buried another trey to put UCF up 82-72. Moments later, McGee was fouled behind the arc. He calmly hit three free throws as UCF took a 85-72 lead. Conarpesa was unable to bridge the gap for the remainder of the game.

The Golden Knights got off to a quick start in the first half, beginning the game on a 10-2 run, highlighted by a Will Bakanowsky fast break lay-up. UCF was in control for much of the first half until the eight-minute mark, when Conarpesa went on a 13-0 run. Forward Mauricio Pedemonte hit a three-pointer with 4:10 on the clock to give the guests their first lead of the game. Al Miller hit two foul shots just before halftime to give the Golden Knights a 43-41 advantage at intermission.

Miller paced UCF with 19 points. Forward Ed Dotson finished with 18 points and 8 boards. Three other players finished in double figures for the Golden Knights. UCF finished the game hitting 56 percent of its shots from the floor and was good on 25 of 32 free throws.

Pedemonte, who connected on six threes, led the visitors with 29 points. Diego Casemayor and Eduardo Villares both had 12 points each. Nobile Gustavo rounded out the double-digit scores with 11.

The Golden Knights tip off the regular season on Friday, Nov. 22, as they head to Annapolis, Md. to face the Midshipmen of Navy, before returning home on Nov. 25 to take on Niagara. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

 

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