College basketball scores: Central Florida defeats Stetson, 83-66

The Central Florida Knights won their final game before the UCF Holiday Tournament on Thursday, defeating the Stetson Hatters, 83-66. The Knights shot 53.8 percent from the field in the first half, including 6-of-13 from three-point range while the Hatters could only muster 36.7 percent from the field and went 2-of-12 from three-point range. All that factored into a 43-27 Knights lead at halftime.

When the game ended, guard Isaiah Sykes had scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting with a pair of three pointers. Forward Keith Clanton led the Knights with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Guard Calvin Newell and forward Kasey Wilson both scored 11 points.

As for the Hatters, guard Chris Perez scored 20 points on 9-of-18 shooting. Reserve guard Aaron Graham scored 18 points thanks to four three-pointers and 6-of-12 shooting. Center Adam Pegg and forward Willie Green both added 10 points for the Hatters.

The Knights next host the Howard Bison in the UCF Holiday Tournament next Friday at UCF Arena. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will have radio coverage on the UCF IMG Sports Network. The Hatters next play the Mercer Bears on New Year's Eve with tip-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m.