ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Jermaine Taylor poured in 38 points to lead Central Florida to an 89-75 victory over Chicago State and the championship of the UCF Holiday Classic on Tuesday night.
Taylor earned tournament Most Valuable Player honors for the second consecutive year as the Knights (8-4) won their third straight UCF Holiday Classic title.
Kenrick Zondervan added 10 points and seven rebounds for UCF and A.J. Rompza dished out 10 assists.
Despite hitting only 8 of its first 27 shots, Chicago State (7-7) took a 26-24 lead on a 3-pointer by David Holston with 6:45 remaining in the first half. The Knights went on a 23-9 run to end the half leading 47-35.
UCF, which remained unbeaten at home this season (6-0), led by as many as 21 points in the second half.
John Cantrell led Chicago State (7-7) with 29 points, Holston added 14 and Marquis Young had 11.
