Coogs dominate UCF, 82-58

Posted: February 13, 2016 -- 11:55 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars put together one of their most complete games - on offense and on defense - Saturday afternoon in an 82-58 dismantling of the UCF Knights.

"We were good at both ends of the court," said Coogs' head coach Kelvin Sampson after the game. "I loved our effort and our attention to detail. UCF is a hard team to guard; just look at their games. They’ve played all the tough teams and have won five conference games.

"Our defense in the first 30 minutes of the game played really good. Offensively, we played well, shared the ball, took good shots and had great multiple pass positions."

The Cougars (18-7 overall, 8-5 in the American Athletic Conference) limited UCF (11-12, 5-7) to 29.6% field goal shooting in the first half -- including UCF's icy 2 for last 14 field goal shooting to finish the half.

The Coogs shot 50 percent (14 for 28) from the floor in the first half and led the Knights 40-25 at halftime.

"I did okay. I messed up a couple times on defense; but, I overcame it," senior wing player LeRon Barnes said. "In practice we stress defense the whole time… defense and defensive rebounding."

Neither team scored the first two minutes of the second half; but, with 18 minutes remaining on the game clock, Barnes sank a three-point shot. Then, 68 seconds later, teammate Devonta Pollard made two free throws to give the Coogs a 20 point lead (65-45).

UCF's large big man, Justin McBride, (6'9", 300 plus) scored a lay-up; but, Pollard scored the Coogs' next six points; and, the Coogs led 51-27 with 13:42 remaining in the ball game.

The Coogs' defense softened slightly the last 10 minutes of the ball game; and, UCF shot the ball well down the stretch. But, the Knights got no closer than 16 points (66-50) with 4:52 on the clock.

Houston answered with a 14-5 run for an 80-55 lead with only 43 seconds remaining. The 25 point margin was Houston's largest of the game.

The Coogs, for the second consecutive game, shot well from the foul line. After shooting 80 percent (20 for 25) Wednesday night versus Memphis, the Coogs made 18 of 22 foul shots (81.8%) versus UCF.

Devonta Pollard scored a team-high 16 points for the Coogs. Barnes added 13 points and 7 rebounds while Danrad Knowles scored 13 points and pulled down six boards. Damyean Dotson added 12 points and 4 rebounds.

In addition to the excellent free-throw shooting, the Cougars shot 50 percent (31 for 62) overall from the floor.

The Cougars out-rebounded the Knights 40-31 and turned over the ball less: 7 for Houston and 13 for the Knights.

"Today, you can tell we’re a lot better today than we were this time last week," Kelvin Sampson said. "Our attention to detail was better, and our connectivity was better. We connected better today."

The Cougars' next game is Wednesday, February 17, on the road, against Tulane. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. on ESPNews.

CLICK HERE for The HRR's write-ups of Coogs' men's hoops games.