ORLANDO, FL-Niagara University's men's basketball team was outmatched tonight by the University of Central Florida (1-1) before a crowd of 1,038 at UCF Arena.

Niagara took a 3-0 lead to open the game, but relinquished the advantage just 13 seconds later, and never led again. The Golden Knights built on a 37-22 halftime lead to cruise to the 25-point victory.

"We were embarrassed by tonight's effort," said Niagara Coach Joe Mihalich. "We've read all the clipping saying how good we are, but games are not won in the newspapers. They are won on the court, and we did not deliver."

Tremmell Darden led the Purple Eagles for the second-straight game, tallying 20 points. Juan Mendez added 15 points and eight boards and James Reaves pulled in nine rebounds before being ejected for his second technical foul with just over five minutes remaining.

UCF was led by Ray Abellard's 29 points. Ed Dotson scored 17 and had 11 boards, and Roberto Morentin chipped in 20 points.

Niagara (0-2) will open its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference schedule on Saturday, when it will host local rival Canisius to the Gallagher Center at 4 p.m. The game will air on the Empire Sports Network.