UCF beats UAB in Conference USA quarters

Published Mar. 8, 2012 11:13 p.m. ET

foxsports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Keith Clanton scored 14 points to lead four players in double figures for Central Florida in a 64-54 win over Alabama-Birmingham on Thursday night in the Conference USA tournament quarterfinals.

The Knights (22-9) advance to the semifinal round of the tournament and will face top seed and regular-season conference champion Memphis on Friday. UCF split the season series against the Tigers.

Marcus Jordan and A.J. Rompza added 12 points apiece for the Knights, while Isaiah Sykes chipped in 10.

The Knights, fresh off a win over against UAB in the regular-season finale that clinched the season sweep, took control early for the same result in this postseason meeting. Jordan put in a layup and knocked down a 3 to help fuel an 11-4 Knights run that turned a one-point deficit into a six-point lead and UCF led the rest of the way.

Ovie Soko had 18 points for UAB (15-16).