Marshall Falls To UCF, 87-69

Jan. 25, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla.-Jermaine Taylor's 27 points led four Central Florida players in double figures in an 87-69 victory over Marshall on Sunday.

"Give them (UCF) credit, they did a great job," MU head coach Donnie Jones said. "When he (Taylor) gets going...he is tough. He can score in so many ways."

Central Florida (13-6, 3-2 Conference USA) shot 58.3 percent from the floor (28 of 48) in the win. The Knights led by as many as 22 points in the second half, fueled by a 12-0 run midway through the period.

A.J. Tyler scored 15 points, Tony Davis had 12 points and Isaac Sosa finished with 10.

Chris Lutz led the Thundering Herd (9-10, 2-3) with 20 points, connecting on six of 14 three-point shots. Dago Pena finished with 13 points and Markel Humphrey and Shaquille Johnson had 12 apiece.

"It felt good to get my shot going early," Lutz said. "I was able to hit my first couple of shots and then got in a rhythm."

UCF's Taylor had 15 points in the first half and was 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, to counteract an impressive shooting display by Marshall's Chris Lutz who had 14 points in the first half, including a 4-of-7 shooting performance from beyond the three point line. Both players led impressive offensive performances by their respective teams.

UCF shot a red-hot 70.4% from the field in the first half (19-of-27) and was 7-of-8 from three-point range (87.5%). Marshall shot a solid 53.1% (17-of-32), including 6-of-13 from three (46.2%). An 11-2 run in the opening quarter, including two 3-pointers by Taylor, propelled Central Florida to a 50-41 halftime advantage.

"Our kids battled and fought throughout," Jones said. "They didn't quit and have not quit all year."

The Thundering Herd now travels to Hattiesburg, Miss., to take on Southern Miss on Tuesday at 9 p.m. (ET) The game will be televised by CSS.

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Players Mentioned

Markel Humphrey

Shaquille Johnson

Chris Lutz

Dago Pena

Marshall University Athletics