Knights open conference play, defeat Tulane 60-53

The UCF Knights (11-3, 1-0) started off the new year on a good note, winning their first Conference USA contest Wednesday night against the Tulane Green Wave (12-2, 0-1), 60-53.

Ever since senior point guard A.J. Rompza returned to action, the Knights' backcourt has benefited tremendously. Rompza and junior shooting guard Marcus Jordan combined for a total of 30 points in the game.

"You always know where [Rompza's] at every time he yells at you," Jordan said. "He brings [out] another level of intensity. I know from my legs he's definitely saving them a little bit, but it's definitely fun playing with him when he gets guys open and creates [shots] for everyone else."

Rompza's attempted five field goals and made four of them. He also dished out four assists while recording five steals. The senior guard knocked down all three of his 3-point shots as well, contributing 11 points behind Jordan.

Jordan himself also had a stellar game. After knocking down his first 3-pointer of the game, he started to attack the rim instead of attempting a high volume of outside shots. Jordan went seven-of-15 from the field and poured in a game high 19 points.

Coach Donnie Jones was not available for the game as he has been suspended by the university for the first three conference games.

In his absence associate head coach Shawn Finney filled in the void.

"Coach Jones really prepared for this team to play without any coach and I think that's really indicative of how the game went," Finney said. "The guys came out and executed the game plan. … You really saw them share the basketball tonight; I thought that was a big key in the game."

The Knights predominately played a 2-3 zone defense, which was effective in shutting down Tulane for most of the contest.

UCF also outrebounded the Green Wave, 43-32.

Junior forward Keith Clanton did not have a great shooting night once again (four-of-12 from the field) but his defense made up for it. The Orlando-native pulled in 12 rebounds and blocked five shots in 36 minutes of playing time, along with four assists.

Senior forward PJ Gaynor gave a nice lift off the bench scoring eight points, going three-of-three from the field, making both of his 3-point attempts in doing so. Gaynor trailed only Clanton in grabbing rebounds, totaling for eight boards in 17 minutes of action.

It was an important win for a team focused on doing well in league play.

"We've got to concentrate to build on [our win]." Gaynor said. "We've got to keep going hard every night."

Next up for the Knights is East Carolina on the road this Saturday. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.