Jordan Burks scores 17 points as UCF tallies eighth straight win

ORLANDO — Jordan Burks scored 17 points, Jamichael Stillwell had a double-double, and UCF defeated Mercer 81-63 on Wednesday night, giving the Knights their eighth straight win.

UCF (9-1) has won eight in a row for the first time since the 2004-05 team also won eight straight. The Knights extended the best start under head coach Johnny Dawkins, who took over in 2016.

The Knights led 28-22 with 4 1/2 minutes remaining in the first half before a 3-pointer by Chris Johnson started a 7-2 run that gave them an 11-point lead, 35-24. Connor Serven’s 3-pointer got the Bears within 35-27 at halftime.

Central Florida scored the first five points of the second half for a 40-27 lead. The Knights led by…