Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Zamal Nixon and Kirk Van Slyke each had 17 points as Houston handed No. 19 UCF its first loss of the season, 76-71, at the Hofheinz Pavilion.
Maurice McNeil posted 15 points for the Cougars (9-6, 1-1 Conference USA), who have won three of their last four contests. Alandise Harris added 14 points and six rebounds for the victors.
Tom Herzog and Keith Clanton each posted 13 points while Clanton added nine boards for the Knights (14-1, 1-1), who were coming off a 65-58 win over Marshall on Wednesday. A.J. Rompza and Marcus Jordan chipped in 10 points each in the losing effort.