UCF rallies past Pirates

Staff Report
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GREENVILLE — Central Florida overcame a 10-point second half deficit for a 71-68 win at East Carolina on Saturday night in the American Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

A.J. Davis, a transfer from Tennessee, had 23 points and six rebounds to lead the Knights. He is the son of Antonio Davis, a former NBA All-Star for the Indiana Pacers.

The Pirates (8-6, 0-1 AAC) opened the second half with a 15-2 run that provided a 40-30 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

"We had it rolling but momentum is a funny thing," said ECU coach Jeff Lebo. "We miss a dunk and we go down and get called for a foul."

Prince Williams had a driving slam attempt pop off the rim with 5:11 to go and ECU leading 56-49.

"We missed a load because of their size and length in the basket area," Lebo said.

The Knights started Tacko Falls, who is 7 feet, 6 inches. Justin McBride, who is 6-10 and 325 pounds, had 13 rebounds for the Knights.

The Pirates made 23 of 66 from the field for 34.8 percent.

UCF (7-5, 1-0) had a 45-35 rebounding advantage. Kentrell Barkley and Clarence Williams had six rebounds each for the Pirates.

Lebo cited free throws and three of 19 shooting from the point guard position as deciding factors as well.

UCF was 21 of 26 at the line while East Carolina was 15 of 23.

Prince Williams was three of 12 from the point. Lance Tejada missed all five of his shots and Charles Foster was 0-for-2.

Prince Williams had seven assists but missed a 3-pointer to tie at the close of the game.

The Pirates were seven of 23 behind the arc.

B.J. Tyson led ECU with 17 points. Caleb White had 16 points for the Pirates. Barkley had 14 points and Prince Williams added 11.

Clarence Williams had six points in the loss and Kanu Aja scored four.

Mike Zangari sustained a shoulder injury. His status is not known for a 7 p.m. game Tuesday at Tulsa.

PAGE UPDATED 01/03/16 12:06 AM.

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