Knights’ defense fuels win

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — UCF became the first team to have an answer for Alabama star freshman Collin Sexton in its 65-62 upset victory Sunday over the No. 24 Crimson Tide (6-2). It came from an effort to keep the Southeastern Conference scoring leader out of the paint.

“A lot of times when our guards would drive to the basket, they made a major concerted effort to step up and try to slow down Dazon [Ingram] and Collin in those situations,” Alabama coach Avery Johnson said.

Sexton scored just seven points, making seven of eight free throws, while missing all four of his shots from the field. It was his lowest total of the season.

“I think we did a good job of containing [Sexton],” UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. “Guys were being aware of where he was all the time on the floor. If anything, I would like thank AJ Davis, our senior. He had the assignment, and he did a good job of really being focused all night long and guarding him.”

It was Davis who also made the go-ahead free throw with 25 seconds remaining, then Terrell Allen stole the following Alabama possession and fired the ball to teammate Dayon Griffin for an easy layup that sealed the upset victory for UCF (5-3).

Allen had 16 points and eight assists, Djordjije Mumin scored 11 points, and Griffin added 10 points and six rebounds. The Knights were extremely efficient from the outside on offense, shooting a red-hot 60 percent from the field in the second half, and finishing 7-15 behind the arc.