ESPN Men's Basketball

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Keith Clanton had 12 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks and Central Florida defeated cold-shooting Alabama-Birmingham 64-48 Wednesday night in the Conference USA opener for both teams.

The Knights (11-4), who will move to the Big East next season, snapped the Blazers' streak of hitting at least one 3-pointer a game since Dec. 18, 1996, a span of 538 games. UAB (8-8) went 0 for 23 from long range and was the first UCF opponent to go without a 3-pointer since 2005.

The Blazers shot only 26 percent (20 of 77) to post their lowest point total of the season.

The Knights led by 11 at the 3:29 mark and 31-23 at halftime, but the Blazers fought back, tying it at 31 with 15:52 left.

Calvin Newell, who scored 14 points, and Tristan Spurlock hit back-to-back 3-pointers and UCF pulled away.

Rod Rucker's 17 points and 14 rebounds led UAB.