There was bound to be a learning curve when you’re dealing with a roster that featured 13 newcomers.

UCF found that out the hard way as the Knights seemed out of sorts at times throughout the night before finally putting away a pesky Hofstra team, 82-78, in the season opener on Monday night at Addition Financial Arena.

The Knights are 9-1 in season openers under coach Johnny Dawkins .

Hofstra found itself in foul trouble throughout much of the game and it caught up with the Pride as UCF went to the free-throw line 36 times, connecting on 22 shots before pulling away late.

Riley Kugel led the Knights with 19 points, while Jordan Burks had 17 and Themus Fulks had 16 — 13 in the second half.

UCF grabbed an early 5-2 lead to open the game, but Hofstra responded with a 14-1 run over

See Full Page