Central Florida 74, South Florida 56: Isaiah Sykes recorded 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the visiting Knights controlled the Bulls throughout.

Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year Keith Clanton contributed 16 points and 16 rebounds and Tristan Spurlock added 14 points for Central Florida. The Knights dominated the rebounding battle 41-22 and led by as many as 21 in the season opener for both teams.

Jawanza Poland led South Florida with 22 points. The Bulls cut the lead to 12 in the second half a few times, but could get no closer.

Sykes poured in 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the first half as Central Florida led by as many as 18 and settled for a 40-24 halftime advantage. Clanton added nine points and nine rebounds in the opening 20 minutes as the Knights pounded the Bulls on the boards 25-13.

South Florida, which is looking to play more of an up-tempo game this season, made only 9 of 29 shots in the first half. Toarlyn Fitzpatrick scored all seven of his points to lead South Florida before halftime.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Clanton made his 91st consecutive start. … South Florida leads the series 19-7, but Central Florida has won three of the last four. … The teams play again in Orlando on Jan. 2. Central Florida joins the Big East next season.