Basketball Dynasties

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UCF Knights Finish Non-Conference Play 11–3

UCF Knights Finish Non-Conference Play 11–3 After Statement Wins Over Georgia Tech & Oklahoma State.

December 27, 2009 – Orlando, FL – By ESPN Staff Writer

The UCF Knights wrapped up their non-conference schedule in impressive fashion, boasting an 11–3 record heading into Conference USA play after a thrilling December stretch that featured signature wins over two nationally ranked opponents—No. 23 Georgia Tech and No. 10 Oklahoma State.

Behind the steady rise of freshman guard Marcus Jordan, the Knights showed they can hang with—and beat—top-tier programs. Jordan led UCF in scoring in four of their last seven games, including a 24-point effort in a dominant 65–55 win over Oklahoma State on December 16, a game that firmly placed UCF on the national radar. Just two weeks earlier, the Knights pulled off a gritty road win over Georgia Tech, 66–65, thanks to Jordan’s 18 points and clutch playmaking down the stretch.

"He's no longer just Michael Jordan’s son—Marcus is making a name for himself in college hoops," said ESPN's Dick Vitale. "He's been a prime-time performer, baby!"

The Knights’ success wasn’t solely on Jordan's shoulders. Keith Clanton continued his double-double dominance, posting a monster 15-point, 16-rebound night against Dartmouth on December 26, and delivering a game-saving 20-point effort earlier in the month against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Meanwhile, sharpshooter Nik Garcia has found his stroke, pouring in double digits in four of the last seven contests, and AJ Tyler remains a rock in the post, averaging nearly 9 rebounds per game over that span.

One blemish on the December run came in the form of a 78–62 home loss to George Washington, where the Knights struggled to contain Damian Hollis, who torched them for 30 points and 12 boards. Still, head coach Kirk Speraw’s squad bounced back quickly, finishing the month with a strong road win at Dartmouth, led by Jordan’s 16 and Clanton’s 16-rebound effort.

UCF ends their non-conference campaign with marquee victories and a growing belief that this team could contend for a top spot in Conference USA. The Knights open league play on January 2nd at home vs. Rice, with momentum—and confidence—on their side.

Non-Conference Notables:

Marcus Jordan (Freshman G): Averaging ~19 PPG over last 7 games, leads team in scoring.

Keith Clanton (F): Averaging double-double in December; defensive anchor.

Team Defense: Held Oklahoma State and Eastern Washington to under 60 points.

Record vs. Ranked Teams: 2–0 (W vs. No. 23 Georgia Tech, No. 10 Oklahoma State)

Next Up:
Rice Owls
Orlando, FL
January 2, 2010 – Conference USA Opener

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Rice 87 @ 90 UCF Knights - Conference USA

Marcus Jordan Leads UCF to Overtime Thriller Over Rice in Conference USA Opener.


Marcus Jordans 24 points give UCF victory in overtime.

January 2nd 2010.

Cory Pflieger -G- AJ Rompza
Tamir Jackson -G- Marcus Jordan
Arsalan Kazemi -F- Nik Garcia
Emerson Kuipers -F- Keith Clanton
Trey Stanton -C- AJ Tyler


RIC | 39 | 39 | 9 | 87
UCF | 36 | 42 | 12 |90

Game Leaders
Pts - 27 - E. Kuipers (RIC), 24 - M. Jordan (UCF)
Rebs - 15 - E. Kuipers (RIC), 11 - K. Clanton (UCF)
Asts - 3 - C. Pflieger (RIC), 5 - AJ. Rompza (UCF)
Stls - 2 - A. Kazemi (RIC), 3 - N. Garcia (UCF)
Blks - 2 - T. Swanton (RIC), 3 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)

ESPN Player of the Game.

M. Jordan (UCF)
24pts, 1 reb, 4 asts, 1stl, 1 blk.

Game Recap by Dick Vitale.

Ohhh baby, what a way to ring in the new year with some big-time, conference-opening drama in Orlando! The UCF Knights and the Rice Owls gave us an absolute thriller, going toe-to-toe for 40 minutes and then giving us bonus basketball, baby! Overtime! And who stepped up when it mattered most? That’s right — Marcus Jordan, the son of the GOAT, but let me tell ya, this kid is writing his own script! He poured in 24 points, dished out 4 assists, and played like a seasoned vet down the stretch!

It wasn’t easy — give some love to Emerson Kuipers from Rice! The big fella was a rebounding machine and dropped 27 points with 15 boards. That’s a double-double with extra cheese, baby! But in the end, UCF just had too much heart, too much hustle, and too much Jordan!

Keith Clanton was a beast on the glass with 11 rebounds, AJ Tyler was swattin’ shots like a fly swatter with 3 blocks, and how about Nik Garcia with some sneaky D — 3 steals, baby! This UCF team is for real — they’ve got chemistry, toughness, and a young core that’s playin’ like primetime players!

And let me tell ya, this game had everything! Passion, intensity, and a finish that left the fans screaming, "We want more!" Watch out, Conference USA — the Knights are comin’, baby!

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Chapter 4 – Climbing the Ladder

Chapter 4 – Climbing the Ladder

The buzz around Orlando was undeniable. After a nail-biting overtime win against Rice, the UCF Knights were making serious noise on the national stage. The Knights had cracked the top 15 in the RPI rankings, sitting at an eye-popping #13 nationally, a number that turned heads across the college basketball world.

And at the center of the Knights’ rise? Two freshman phenoms rewriting expectations — Keith Clanton and Marcus Jordan.

Clanton, the 6’8” forward from Orlando, was fast becoming a household name in college hoops circles. With averages of 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, he was making a strong case for NCAA All-Freshman First Team honors. Coaches raved about his footwork, his soft touch around the rim, and his relentless pursuit of rebounds on both ends of the floor. In Conference USA, he was already being seen as one of the best big men — freshman or not.

Then there was Marcus. Son of a legend, yes — but now, a rising star in his own right. After torching Rice for 24 points, Marcus was averaging 16.7 points and 2.9 assists per game, showing he could both score in bunches and run the offense when needed. The national media was starting to pay attention. Analysts were no longer asking if Marcus was good — now they were wondering just how far he could go.

Both Jordan and Clanton were early favorites for the Conference USA All-Freshman First Team, a rare feat for two players from the same squad. The chemistry between them was undeniable. They fed off each other — Clanton’s inside presence opened up space for Marcus to drive and slash, and Jordan’s vision gave Clanton easy buckets in the post.

In the locker room after the Rice game, the mood was confident but focused. The Knights knew they had a target on their back now.

“We earned that win,” Marcus said, sitting at his locker, towel around his neck. “But it’s only the beginning. Conference play is where legacies are made. I’m ready for it.”

The next test? A big one. The East Carolina Pirates, one of the most experienced and dangerous teams in the conference, were coming to town. It was a measuring-stick game — the kind that could define a season.

As the arena lights dimmed in anticipation of another showdown, one thing was clear: UCF was no longer the underdog. They were a team on the rise, fueled by hunger, pride, and a belief that something special was happening in Orlando.

And leading the charge? A freshman with the number "5" on his jersey and a legacy on his shoulders — and his own path to blaze.

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UCF Knights 78 @ 67 East Carolina Pirates - Conference USA

Marcus Jordan Leads UCF over East Carolina.


Jordan exploded with 33 points tonight to cap an incredible win for UCF.

January 4th 2010.

AJ Rompza -G- Brock Young
Marcus Jordan -G- Jontae Sherrod
Nik Garcia -F- Jamar Abrams
Keith Clanton -F- Darius Morrow
AJ Tyler -C- ChrIs Wynn


UCF | 45 | 33 |78
ECU | 33 | 34 |67

Game Leaders
Pts - 33 - M. Jordan (UCF), 24 - D. Morrow (ECU)
Rebs - 13 - K. Clanton (UCF), 9 - C. Wynn (ECU)
Asts - 6 - AJ. Rompza (UCF), 6 - Brock Young (ECU)
Stls - 2 - K. Clanton (UCF), 3 - J. Sherrod (ECU)
Blks - 2 - AJ. Tyler (UCF), 4 - C. Wynn (ECU)

ESPN Player of the Game.

M. Jordan (UCF)
33pts, 1 reb, 3 asts, 1stl.

Game Recap by Dick Vitale.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS, BABY?! Marcus Jordan just put on a CLINIC, diaper dandy style, oh yeah!” You knew Dick Vitale would be going nuts after a performance like this, folks! The son of the GOAT, His Airness, showed off his OWN game tonight, lighting up East Carolina for 33 big ones in UCF’s 78–67 road win! I’m tellin’ ya, he was smoother than a scoop of gelato in July, baby! He attacked the rim, hit the midrange, drained the triple — he was unstoppable, simply unstoppable!

And let’s give some love to Keith Clanton, the rebounding machine! The big fella grabbed 13 boards and brought the hustle all night long. Don’t forget AJ Rompza, the floor general with 6 assists, setting the table like a five-star chef! UCF is making noise, baby — they’re undefeated in conference play, flying high, and if Marcus Jordan keeps playing like this, he’s gonna need his OWN highlight reel on SportsCenter! Watch out, Conference USA — the Knights are for real, bay-beee!!!

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UTEP Miners 67 - 88 UCF Knights - Conference USA

On fire Jordan Leads UCF over UTEP Miners.


Jordan explodes again! Marcus hit 35 tonight in a matchup against the C-USA favorite.

January 6th 2010.

Julyan Stone -G- AJ Rompza
Randy Culpepper -G- Marcus Jordan
Isaac Gordon -F- Nik Garcia
Claude Britten -F- Keith Clanton
Arnett Moultrie -C- AJ Tyler


UTEP | 24 | 43 | 67
UCF | 50 | 38 |88

Game Leaders
Pts - 16 - R. Culpepper (UTEP), 35 - M. Jordan (UCF)
Rebs - 7 - A. Moultrie (UTEP), 8 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)
Asts - 3 - C. Pflieger (RIC), 8 - AJ. Rompza (UCF)
Stls - 2 - A. Moultrie (UTEP), 3 - AJ. Rompza (UCF)
Blks - 2 - A. Moultrie (UTEP), 3 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)

ESPN Player of the Game.

M. Jordan (UCF)
35pts, 1 reb, 3 asts, 2 stls.

Game Recap by Dick Vitale.

HE’S ON FIIIIIRE, BAY-BEEE!!” If you thought Marcus Jordan was good before, he just went to a whole NEW level tonight in Orlando, dropping 35 points on UTEP like he was back at the United Center with Pops watching courtside — OH YEAH, BABY!! UCF blitzed the Miners in the first half, racing out to a 50–24 lead, and never looked back in an 88–67 beatdown in Conference USA action!

Jordan was dazzling, electric, sensational — whatever word you wanna use, he was ALL THAT and a bag of chips! He hit everything from floaters to threes, took on defenders one-on-one, and just owned the moment. Let’s not forget the engine behind the show — AJ Rompza, who dished out 8 assists and swiped 3 steals like he had radar in his sneakers, baby! And how about AJ Tyler, the enforcer inside with 8 boards and 3 blocks, keeping the paint clean like Mr. Clean!

The Knights are rolling, folks. That’s THREE conference wins, and Marcus Jordan? He’s not just carrying the Jordan name — he’s carving his own legacy down in Orlando. Diaper dandy? More like diaper DOMINATOR, baby!!!

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UCF Soars Into National Spotlight with 18-5 Record, Now Ranked #24.

January Roundup: UCF Soars Into National Spotlight with 18-5 Record, Now Ranked #24.

January 31, 2010 – Orlando, FL – By ESPN Staff Writer

The UCF Knights continue their magical ride through the 2009–10 season, wrapping up the month of January with a sparkling 18-5 record and climbing into the Top 25 rankings at #24 nationally. Led by the electric play of freshman guard Marcus Jordan, the Knights posted a 4–2 record in January’s tough Conference USA schedule and are now tied for the top of the conference with Marshall at 7–2.

The month opened with a statement win on the road at Memphis, where Marcus Jordan dropped 22 points and led UCF to a 66–57 upset of the perennial powerhouse. Nik Garcia added 13 points, while the defense held strong late to lock down the Tigers in crunch time.

A minor stumble followed at home as UCF fell 77–68 to Marshall, despite a team-high 17 points from Jordan. Freshman forward Keith Clanton posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, continuing his campaign for a spot on the NCAA All-Freshman First Team.

The Knights bounced back with back-to-back road wins that showcased Jordan’s growing maturity as a closer. Against UTEP, he exploded for 26 points, supported by 19 from Garcia and a 12-rebound night from AJ Tyler, guiding UCF to an 81–75 victory in El Paso.

Then came a gritty win at Tulsa, where Jordan once again stepped up with 22 points, and sharpshooter Isaac Sosa added 14 in a 78–71 triumph. The win cemented UCF’s standing as a contender for the Conference USA crown.

The Knights hit a bump on January 25th, dropping a home game to Southern Miss 75–62, despite 19 from Jordan and 12 from Rompza. But UCF got its revenge five days later, winning 74–64 in Hattiesburg, led by 15 points from Sosa and a more subdued 13 from Jordan, who focused on playmaking and defense.

UCF now heads into February riding high and ready for another test, welcoming Memphis to Orlando on February 7th in what could be a pivotal game for conference supremacy.

January Results for UCF Knights:

Jan 2: Rice 87 @ UCF 90 (OT)

Jan 4: UCF 78 @ East Carolina 67

Jan 6: UTEP 67 @ UCF 88

Jan 8: UCF 66 @ Memphis 57

Jan 12: Marshall 77 @ UCF 68

Jan 17: UCF 81 @ UTEP 75

Jan 18: UCF 78 @ Tulsa 71

Jan 25: Southern Miss 75 @ UCF 62

Jan 30: UCF 74 @ Southern Miss 64

Overall Record: 18–5
Conference Record: 7–2
National Rank: #24

Up next: Memphis Tigers @ UCF, February 7th – A chance for the Knights to solidify their place among the nation’s elite.

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Chapter 5: Rising Knights and Freshman Firepower

Chapter 5: Rising Knights and Freshman Firepower.

As February dawned over Orlando, the UCF Knights had fully arrived on the national stage. Ranked #24 in the country with an 18–5 overall record and tied atop Conference USA at 7–2, the buzz around campus and the college basketball world was undeniable. No longer underdogs, the Knights were now the hunted — and leading the charge was none other than Marcus Jordan.

The freshman guard, once known more for his last name than his game, was now carving his own path. Averaging 19.0 points, 2.9 assists, and shooting efficiently in clutch moments, Marcus had exploded onto the national radar. His back-to-back 30-point games in early January against East Carolina and UTEP put him in the conversation for Conference USA Freshman of the Year, and now he found himself touted as making the NCAA All-Freshman 1st Team — alongside elite talents like Xavier Henry (Kansas) and John Wall (Kentucky).

But it wasn’t just Jordan making waves. Forward Keith Clanton continued to dominate the glass and alter shots at the rim. Averaging 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds, Clanton’s two-way presence anchored UCF’s interior play and had scouts projecting him as one of the top freshmen bigs in the nation. Nik Garcia, Isaac Sosa, and floor general A.J. Rompza each played their roles to perfection, creating a well-oiled machine that could win gritty or pretty.

A pivotal road win at Memphis on January 8th — UCF’s first ever at the Tigers' den — sent shockwaves through the conference. Marcus Jordan poured in 22 points, and the Knights’ stifling second-half defense sealed the 66–57 victory. Though a slip-up at home against Marshall briefly knocked them off balance, UCF rebounded with wins over UTEP, Tulsa, and Southern Miss to reassert their dominance atop C-USA.

With Marshall, Tulsa, and UTEP all trailing closely behind, the conference race was heating up. The Knights’ next challenge? A massive rematch at home versus the Memphis Tigers on February 7th. With the national spotlight looming, Jordan and company were preparing to defend their turf — and their dream season.

UCF’s Cinderella story was no longer a fantasy. The Knights were real, and Marcus Jordan had become more than a name — he was now the name leading them to March.

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Marcus Jordan, UCF Claim Conference USA Regular Season Crown.

Marcus Jordan, UCF Claim Conference USA Regular Season Crown.

February 28th, 2010 – Orlando, FL – By ESPN Staff Writer

The UCF Knights are officially kings of Conference USA.

With a resounding 100–68 win over Tulane to close out February, UCF not only flexed its offensive muscle but clinched the Conference USA regular season title, edging out both UTEP and Marshall, who finished just behind at 12–4 in league play.

And once again, it was Marcus Jordan, the freshman guard with a legendary last name and his own rising legacy, who led the charge. Jordan poured in a career-high 39 points in the win — a performance that left no doubt about UCF’s status as the conference’s top dog heading into March.

“We knew what was at stake,” Jordan said postgame. “Coach told us to treat it like a championship game, and we came out with that energy.”

UCF raced to a 50-point first half and never looked back. Nik Garcia added 20 points and Keith Clanton finished with 19, as the Knights’ trio of underclassmen continued to deliver when it matters most.

The victory capped an impressive February run for the Knights, who went 6–1 during the month and now sit at 24–6 overall, 13–3 in Conference USA. Their lone loss came at UAB on February 16, but strong bounce-back wins against Tulsa, Houston, and Tulane secured UCF’s place at the top of the standings.

Jordan has been electric during UCF’s title push, averaging over 24 points per game in February and proving he's more than just a famous name. With his confidence growing and his leadership shining, NBA Draft chatter has started to swirl — though Jordan has remained focused on finishing strong with UCF.

Meanwhile, Keith Clanton continues to make a name nationally, flirting with a double-double average and earning serious buzz. Garcia and Isaac Sosa have provided the perimeter firepower that’s made UCF one of the most balanced teams in the country.

“We’ve got something special going here,” said head coach Kirk Speraw. “But we’re not done yet.”

With the Conference USA Tournament looming, the Knights will enter as the top seed, riding momentum, chemistry, and a star on the rise. The NCAA Tournament is within reach — and UCF is ready to dance.

UCF February 2010 Results:

• Feb 7 – Memphis 73 @ UCF 87
  
• Feb 11 – SMU 64 @ UCF 70
  
• Feb 14 – Tulane 71 @ UCF 75
  
• Feb 16 – UCF 65 @ UAB 79
  
• Feb 18 – Tulsa 64 @ UCF 75
  
• Feb 20 – UCF 89 @ Houston 84
  
• Feb 26 – UCF 100 @ Tulane 68

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Chapter 6: The Crown & the Countdown

Chapter 6 – The Crown & the Countdown.

It’s official.

The UCF Knights, once a preseason mystery in the shadow of Conference USA's traditional powers, are now regular season champions. The Knights capped off their incredible run with a statement win over Tulane, sealing a 13–3 conference record and standing tall above UTEP and Marshall, who both finished just behind at 12–4.

Now, heading into March, UCF is ranked #21 nationally, earning respect from voters coast to coast and shaking up bracket projections. From Orlando to Omaha, the buzz is building.

At the center of it all?

Marcus Jordan.

The freshman phenom, son of the game's greatest icon, is averaging 19.8 points per game, the 8th-highest in Conference USA. But this isn’t about legacy anymore — this is about Marcus, finding his voice, his rhythm, and his own signature brand of dominance.

“People kept asking if I could carry a team,” Jordan said after the Tulane win.

“We just won the regular season. I think that says everything.”

Around him, UCF’s core has solidified into one of the most balanced units in the country.

Keith Clanton is a rebounding machine and a legitimate All-Freshman candidate nationally.

Nik Garcia and Isaac Sosa keep the scoreboard ticking with confident perimeter shooting.

AJ Rompza, the steady floor general, has been the heartbeat — always in control, always pushing tempo.

Head coach Kirk Speraw, once on the hot seat just a season ago, now leads a team that’s exceeded every expectation and is poised to make a serious run in the Conference USA Tournament — and possibly beyond.

March Madness Is Calling

The Knights enter the C-USA Tournament as the #1 seed, drawing the target on their backs but also carrying something their opponents don’t: momentum. They’ve won 9 of their last 10, including marquee wins over Memphis, Tulsa, and Houston.

Every game from here on is a proving ground — a test of nerve, depth, and belief.

For Jordan, it’s the start of the real proving ground. Can the freshman phenom lift UCF to its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2005? And if so… will he ride that wave into the NBA Draft or return to UCF for a sophomore encore?

No answers yet. Only questions — and opportunity.

But one thing is certain:

The Knights aren’t just participants. They’re contenders.

[RMJH4]

C-USA RD2 - Houston 72 - 84 UCF

UCF advance to C-USA Final Four after win over Houston.


Jordan hit 20 points tonight as UCF advance to C-USA final four.

March 4th 2010.

Zamal Nixon -G- AJ Rompza
Kelvin Lewis -G- Marcus Jordan
Aubrey Coleman -F- Nik Garcia
Maurice McNeil -F- Keith Clanton
Nick Mosley -C- AJ Tyler


HOU | 39 | 33 |72
UCF | 41 | 43 |84

Game Leaders
Pts - 16 - A. Coleman (HOU), 21 - K. Clanton (UCF)
Rebs - 8 - N. Mosley (HOU), 14 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)
Asts - 6 - A. Coleman (HOU), 12 - AJ. Rompza (UCF)
Stls - 2 - K. Lewis (HOU), 5 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)
Blks - 2 - A. Coleman (HOU), 3 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)

CBS Sports Player of the Game.

K. Clanton (UCF)
21pts, 10 rebs, 2 asts, 2 blks.

Game Recap by Dick Vitale.

Are you kidding me, baby?! The UCF Knights came into this one as the top dogs, the numero uno seed in the Conference USA Tournament, and they showed us why they wear that crown with pride! They took down a scrappy Houston squad, 84–72, and punched their ticket to the Final Four of the C-USA Tournament, oh yeah!

Let’s talk about the diaper dandies and the prime-time performers, baby! Marcus Jordan, the son of His Airness, delivered again with 20 big points – cool, calm, and collected like he’s been here before. The kid’s got ice in his veins! He’s not just a name, he’s a baller!

But the man of the hour? Keith Clanton, ohhh he was a PTP’er – that’s a Prime Time Performer, baby! 21 points, 10 boards, 2 dimes, 2 swats – are you serious?! The guy was all over the court. He was Mr. Everything!

And don’t forget AJ Tyler – what a stat stuffer, baby! 14 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks – that’s what I call Windex Man, cleaning the glass and playing D like a madman! And AJ Rompza, how about 12 assists? He was dishing out dimes like a Vegas blackjack dealer!

Houston gave a valiant fight – Aubrey Coleman, their scoring machine, did his thing, but UCF just had too much juice, too much energy, too much depth!

Coach Kirk Speraw has this team believing, baby. They’re playing with confidence, unity, and they’re flat-out getting it done on both ends of the court.

So now it’s on to the C-USA Final Four, and let me tell ya — if Marcus Jordan and company keep playing like this, they’re gonna dance their way right into the NCAA Tournament, baby!

[RMJH4]

C-USA Rd 3 Tulsa 63 - 70 UCF

#1 Seed UCF Advance to Conference USA Final.


Marcus put down a marker with 21 points as UCF advance to the final.

March 5th 2010.

Ben Uzoh -G- AJ Rompza
Justin Hurtt -G- Marcus Jordan
Joe Richard -F- Nik Garcia
Bishop Wheatley -F- Keith Clanton
Jerome Jordan -C- AJ Tyler


TUL | 29 | 34 |63
UCF | 41 | 29 |70

Game Leaders
Pts - 28 - J. Jordan (TUL), 24 - N. Garcia (UCF)
Rebs - 15 - J. Jordan (TUL), 12 - K. Clanton (UCF)
Asts - 4 - B. Uzoh (TUL), 5 - AJ. Rompza and M. Jordan (UCF)
Stls - 2 - J. Hurtt (TUL), 2 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)
Blks - 4 - J. Jordan (TUL), 3 - K. Clanton and AJ. Tyler (UCF)

CBS Sports Player of the Game.

M. Jordan (UCF)
21pts, 3 rebs, 5 asts.

Game Recap by Dick Vitale.

OH BABY, BRING OUT THE CONFETTI BECAUSE THE UCF KNIGHTS ARE HEADED TO THE CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! They battled, they scrapped, and they held off a fierce push from the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to win it 70–63, and now it’s on to the big dance of the C-USA Tournament, bay-bee!

Let’s start with the man who wears that UCF jersey like it’s a cape, baby – Marcus Jordan, son of the G.O.A.T., and tonight he played like a star! 21 points, 5 assists, and just calm as can be. This kid’s a coach’s dream — poise, heart, and a big-time basketball I.Q. He’s been Mr. March so far for the Knights!

But let’s give a big-time diaper dandy shoutout to Nik Garcia, who was scorching like a blowtorch tonight! 24 points from the wing – he was hitting shots from downtown Orlando, baby! That’s how you step up in the big moment!

Keith Clanton – ohhh, you know I love this guy! 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, dominating the paint like a landlord collecting rent! And let’s not forget AJ Rompza, dropping dimes left and right with 5 assists, and AJ Tyler with some huge defensive plays down the stretch.

Now let’s talk about Jerome Jordan for Tulsa – what a warrior, baby! 28 points, 15 boards, 4 blocks, he gave UCF all they could handle in the paint. He was a one-man wrecking crew, but the Knights just had too many answers.

And now it’s set: UCF vs. UTEP in the Conference USA Championship Game! The Miners took down Marshall 80–70, so now it’s a battle of the best! Who’s gonna punch their ticket to the Big Dance?! Can UCF finish the dream run and win their first ever C-USA title?

I CAN’T WAIT, BAY-BEE!! Get the popcorn, grab your bracket, and clear your schedule — March Madness is officially ON in Orlando!!

[RMJH4]

C-USA Tournament Final - UTEP 77 - 84 UCF

UCF KNIGHTS ARE YOUR CONFERENCE USA TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS.


Jordan has arrived. Marcus hit 37 points to lead UCF to glory

March 6th 2010.

Julyan Stone -G- AJ Rompza
Randy Culpepper -G- Marcus Jordan
Issac Gordon -F- Nik Garcia
Claude Britten -F- Keith Clanton
Arnett Moultrie -C- AJ Tyler


UTEP | 38 | 39 |77
UCF | 42 | 42 |84

Game Leaders
Pts - 28 - A. Moultrie (UTEP), 37 - M. Jordan (UCF)
Rebs - 15 - A. Moultrie (UTEP), 11 - K. Clanton (UCF)
Asts - 9 - J. Stone (UTEP), 10 - AJ. Rompza (UCF)
Stls - 2 - J. Stone (UTEP), 2 - N. Garcia (UCF)
Blks - 4 - C. Britten (UTEP), 4 - AJ. Tyler (UCF)

CBS Sports Player of the Game.

M. Jordan (UCF)
37pts, 4 rebs, 5 asts, 1stl, 1 blk.

Game Recap by Dick Vitale.

OH BABY, CROWN THE KNIGHTS! THE UCF KNIGHTS ARE YOUR CONFERENCE USA TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS, AND WHAT A THRILLER IT WAS! Fireworks from start to finish, bay-bee, and in the end, it was all about #5 in black and gold — Marcus Jordan — an absolute scoring machine who lit it up with 37 POINTS to deliver UCF its biggest win in school history!

Let me tell you something, this young man played like a seasoned veteran tonight — calm under pressure, deadly from everywhere, and just took over this ballgame! Whether it was slashing to the rim or pulling up from deep, he was simply unstoppable, baby! And now? He’s walking away with the Conference USA Tournament MVP, and he earned every bit of it!

But this wasn’t a one-man show! AJ Rompza, the little maestro, was at it again with 10 assists, dishing the rock like a waiter at a five-star restaurant! Keith Clanton banged in the post and hauled down 11 rebounds, while AJ Tyler was a shot-blocking menace with 4 swats! The Knights brought it on both ends of the floor, DIPSY-DOO DUNK-A-ROO STYLE!

Credit to UTEP – they didn’t back down! Arnett Moultrie was a BEAST with 28 points and 15 boards, and Julyan Stone had 9 assists and kept the Miners in it ‘til the final whistle. But in the end, UCF just had more magic, baby!

This is what March is all about – heart, hustle, and history being made! The Knights are going dancing, and they’re not just a feel-good story anymore, they’re a team NOBODY wants to face in the NCAA Tournament!

[RMJH4]

Final Conference USA Tournament Bracket

[studbucket]

Re: Final Conference USA Tournament Bracket

Excited for his first NCAA tournament. Is there a good NCAA selection show in NCAA 10 like there is in CHoops 2K8?

[RMJH4]

Michael Jordan Selling Bobcats Shares, Pursuing Timberwolves

Sources: Michael Jordan Selling Bobcats Shares, Pursuing Timberwolves Ownership

In a stunning move that could reshape NBA ownership circles, sources tell ESPN that Michael Jordan is in the process of selling off his minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats and has reportedly entered advanced discussions to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves from longtime owner Glen Taylor.

Jordan, the Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, had only recently increased his influence in Charlotte but is reportedly looking for a fresh start where he could assume full control of an NBA franchise.

Taylor, who has owned the Timberwolves since 1994, has made no secret in recent years that he was open to selling—but only to a buyer committed to keeping the team in Minnesota. Sources say Taylor and Jordan have developed a "strong rapport" during negotiations, with Taylor encouraged by Jordan’s stated desire to build the Timberwolves into a "premier, winning organization."

"Michael wants his own team," one high-ranking NBA executive told ESPN. "He's determined to take everything he learned in Chicago, and everything he’s learned in Charlotte, and finally build a franchise from the ground up with full authority."

Sources indicated that the sale of Jordan's Bobcats shares could be finalized within the next few weeks, clearing the way for the Timberwolves purchase to be completed sometime before the 2010 NBA Draft in June.

The price for the Timberwolves is expected to be in the range of $350 million to $375 million, a number that Jordan's business team feels comfortable matching with the help of a select group of strategic investors.

Jordan's move also comes at a pivotal time in Minnesota, as the Wolves are armed with a top lottery pick in the 2010 draft and a young core featuring Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn, and Ricky Rubio whom Timberwolves fans hope may finally suit up this coming season.

If the deal is finalized, Jordan would become the first African-American to own a majority share of a team in the Western Conference—and just the second overall in league history.

The NBA declined comment when contacted Thursday.