ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Darius Johnson had 16 points and five assists, Jaylin Sellers had 15 points and UCF held off No. 23 Texas Tech for more than eight minutes in the second half on its way to a 75-61 victory on Saturday. He was kept scoreless.
The win, keyed by a 20-3 run in the second half, was the third time the Knights (14-12, Big 12 (5 wins, 9 losses).
Johnson took control, making back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Knights the breathing room they needed and take their first double-digit lead with five minutes remaining.
Texas Tech (19-8, 8-6) cut the deficit to two points at 53-51 with 9:42 left on Kerwin Walton’s layup and free throw. But the Knights took over from there.
UCF did not allow a field goal until over a minute remained. The Knights forced five turnovers in that span, and Johnson finally stole the ball and completed the decisive big run with a two-handed dunk by Shemari Allen.
Darrion Williams led the Red Raiders with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Walton added 18 points.
Texas Tech shot 37% from the floor but made just 8 of 28 3-pointers (28.6%). The Knights blocked three shots and forced 14 turnovers. UCF shot 46.6% from the floor and made 6 of 12 3-pointers, helping lead the team.
The Red Raiders had an early answer for all of the Knights’ first-half goals. However, Texas Tech did not make a field goal for more than eight minutes until the end of the game, and Emeli Yaraho made a corner 3 with 1:02 left, putting the game within reach.
big picture
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders’ NCAA Tournament hopes shouldn’t take too much of a hit. But they have lost three straight on the road and four of their last five on the road from Lubbock, Texas.
UCF: The Knights continue to establish their ability to win in the Big 12, even if their NCAA Tournament dreams are long gone.
what’s next
Texas Tech: Returns home to face Texas on Tuesday night.
UCF: Leaves for a matchup against Oklahoma State on Wednesday.
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