ORLANDO, Fla. — Riley Kugel hit five 3-pointers in the first half and scored 19 to help UCF hold on for an 82-78 victory over Hofstra in a season opener Monday night.

Kugel made 7 of 15 shots, including 5 of 9 from beyond the arc, for the Knights. Jordan Burks totaled 17 points and seven rebounds. Themus Fulks made 10 of 12 from the free-throw line, scoring 16 with eight assists and six of UCF's 16 turnovers. Jamichael Stillwell scored 10.

The Pride took an early lead and held it until Burks had a layup following a Kugel 3-pointer to put the Knights up 20-18 with 7:15 left in the first half. A.J. Willis hit a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left to cut the Pride's deficit to 36-32 at halftime.

Preston Edmead sank three free throws and Hofstra moved in front 53-51 with 13 minutes remaining.

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