Milwaukee loses to UCF, Panthers try to rally

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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers

ORLANDO, Fla. - Darius Johnson made a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 28 points to lead UCF to an 84-76 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

Jordan Ivy-Curry added 14 points for UCF (5-2).

Kentrell Pullian had 15 points for Milwaukee (5-3) and Jamichael Stillwell had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Also in double figures were Themus Fulks with 13 points and AJ McKee with 12.

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UCF led for most of the first 10 minutes of the second half but never by more than four points. Fulks hit two 3-pointers and Milwaukee tied it at 63 with a little less than nine minutes left but Johnson hit a two-point jumper and two 3-pointers to give UCF a 71-63 lead.

The Panthers rallied again and closed to within 73-72 with 4 1/2 minutes remaining. The Knights held Milwaukee to two field goals the rest of the way and a 3-pointer by Johnson made it 79-72 with two minutes to go. Not only was it UCF's last made basket, it was the Knights' final shot attempt as they made 5 of 6 free throws and had one turnover over the final two minutes.

Ivy-Curry had a personal 9-4 run midway through the first half to help the Knights build a 28-20 lead. Milwaukee scored the next seven points to get within 28-27 and UCF went on to lead 43-40 at halftime.

Johnson made 8 of 10 shots from 3-point distance; his teammates made 3 of 14.

The Knights returned home after a triple-overtime loss to LSU on Sunday at the Greenbrier Classic. Wednesday's win was the first of five straight games in their home state for the Knights.