Jordan was one of four players to finish with double-figures in scoring for the Knights, who limited Houston (10-8, 3-2) to just a 25.4 percent shooting performance for the game. “I am proud of the total team effort. We played with great poise and intensity for the entire game,” UCF head coach Kirk Speraw said. “Our defense early really set the tone. This is a big win for our team.”
With the win, Speraw now has 274 victories at UCF, which is tied for first in school history with the legendary Torchy Clark.
The Knights led 66-46 with 4:29 to play after Jordan scored inside, but the Cougars press then caused havoc for the visitors. The nation’s leading scorer, Aubrey Coleman, scored 25 of his 30 points in the second half, and did most of his damage late in the game at the free-throw line. The Knights held off the rally, hitting five free throws (four from Jordan) in the final minute of the game.
Jordan made all nine of his field goal attempts, and also added six boards in 28 minutes.
“I knew that this was going to be a big game for us,” Jordan said. “I just wanted to go out and provide our team with the boost just to get the W. I just want to look to go out and attack more (offensively). The team needs somebody who can be more consistent scoring points, and I feel like that I can be that guy.”