ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Darius Johnson made a career-high eight three-pointers and scored 28 points to lead UCF to an 84-76 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Jordan Ivy-Curry added 14 points for UCF (5-2).
Kentrell Pullian had 15 points for Milwaukee (5-3) and Jamichael Stillwell had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Also in double figures were Themus Fulks with 13 points and AJ McKee with 12.
UCF led most of the first 10 minutes of the second half, but never by more than four points. Fulks made two 3-pointers and Milwaukee tied it at 63 with just under nine minutes to play, but Johnson hit a two-point jumper and two 3-pointers to give UCF a 71-point lead. 63.
The Panthers rallied again and closed to within 73-72 with 4:30 left. The Knights held Milwaukee to two field goals the rest of the game and a Johnson three-pointer made it 79-72 with two minutes remaining. Not only was it UCF’s last made field goal, but it was also the Knights’ last shot attempt as they made 5 of 6 free throws and had a turnover in the final two minutes.
Ivy-Curry went on a personal 9-4 run midway through the first half to help the Knights take a 28-20 lead. Milwaukee scored the next seven points to get within 28-27 and UCF led 43-40 at halftime.
Johnson made 8 of 10 shots from 3-point range; his teammates made 3 of 14.
The Knights returned home following a triple-overtime loss to LSU on Sunday in the Greenbrier Classic. Wednesday’s win was the first of five straight home state games for the Knights.
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