Central Florida knocks off Bethune-Cookman 76-59

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Keith Clanton had 16 points and eight rebounds to lead Central Florida to a 76-59 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.

Clanton was 9 of 10 from the free throw line and added five assists for the Knights (8-0), who are off to their best start since going 15-0 in 1979-80.

UCF entered the game with the second-best victory margin in the country at 27.4 points, but led only 41-40 until going on an 8-0 run for a 49-40 advantage with 14:26 to play.

The Knights built their lead to 59-46 on Tom Herzog’s layup with 8 minutes remaining.

Marcus Jordan added 15 points and Herzog had 14 as UCF shot 66.7 percent from the field (12 of 18) in the first half and 56.8 percent for the game (25 of 44).

Alexander Starling led Bethune-Cookman (4-5) with 16 points. C.J. Reed, who entered the game averaging a team-high 21.1 points, was 4 of 16 from the floor and finished with 11.