UCF uses 20-3 run in the second half to stifle No. 23 Texas Tech in 75-61 victory
Central Florida guard Jaylin Sellers, right, drives past Texas Tech guard Kerwin Walton, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux
ORLANDO, Fla. — Darius Johnson had 16 points and five assists, Jaylin Sellers scored 15 points and UCF held No. 23 Texas Tech without a field goal for more than nine minutes in the second half en route to a 75-61 victory Saturday.
The win, keyed by a 20-3 second-half run, was the third by the Knights (14-12, 5-9 Big 12) over a ranked opponent at Addition Financial Arena in their first season in the Big 12.
Johnson led the effort, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Knights some much-needed breathing room and their first double-digit lead with five minutes to play.
Texas Tech (19-8, 8-6) had cut the deficit to two at 53-51 with 9:42 to play after Kerwin Walton made a layup with 10:15 left and then a free throw a few moments later. But the Knights took over from there.
UCF did not give up another field goal until there was just more than a minute to play. The Knights forced five turnovers in that span, capped off with Johnson stealing the ball and setting up Shemari Allen for a two-handed dunk to complete the decisive big run.
Darrion Williams led the Red Raiders with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Walton added 18 points.
Texas Tech finished shooting 37% percent from the floor and was only 8 for 28 from 3-point range (28.6%). The Knights blocked three shots and forced 14 turnovers. UCF shot 46.6% from the floor and shot 6 of 12 on 3-pointers to help pace the team into the lead.
Central Florida guard Darius Johnson (3) grabs a rebound in front of Texas Tech guard Darrion Williams (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux
The Red Raiders had answers early to all of the Knights’ first-half runs. But Texas Tech went without a field goal for more than eight minutes at the end of the game before Eemeli Yalaho hit a corner 3 with 1:02 to play and the game out of reach.
BIG PICTURE
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' NCAA Tournament hopes shouldn't take much of a hit. But they have lost three straight on the road and four of their last five away from Lubbock, Texas.
UCF: The Knights continue to establish the ability to win in the Big 12 even if their NCAA Tournament dreams have long faded.
Central Florida guard Antwann Jones (1) makes a move to the basket against Texas Tech guard Joe Toussaint, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux
WHAT'S NEXT
Texas Tech: Returns home to face Texas on Tuesday night.
UCF: Hits the road to face Oklahoma State on Wednesday.
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