The RoundHouse | 1/31/2021 2:30:00 PM

 
 
The need for energy transcended the need for execution for Wichita State.
 
Clarence Jackson always provides hustle. He is working on the details in his first season as a Shocker. Saturday, he executed well enough to make his energy a game-changing force in Wichita State's 93-88 win over UCF in overtime at Koch Arena.
 
"Sometimes I feel like we don't have energy on the floor and no matter what - he may make some mistakes - but he's out there clapping his hands," Shockers interim coach Isaac Brown said. "He's out there going to the offensive glass. He just brings energy, and we need that at times."
 
Jackson, a sophomore transfer from Polk State (Fla.) College, scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 19:01 minutes against UCF. He scored 11 of those points in the second half and overtime. Jackson enjoyed his first game in double figures and his high scoring total since Dec. 22 at USF. 
 
"He always provides a spark," guard Tyson Etienne said. "He was back to his normal self. He was a little banged up the last couple games, but he got some days off to rest his body."
 
Jackson, nicknamed "Monzy," checked in with 3:45 to play in regulation and the Shockers trailing 74-66. Wichita State's defense – keyed by a zone press that rattled the Knights – started the rally by forcing a shot-clock violation with 3:12 to play.
 
"They showed more composure down the stretch of the ball game," UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. "We had 23 turnovers. That's way too many."
 
Etienne, who tied his career high with 29 points, scored to cut the lead to six points. After another UCF turnover, Jackson rebounded a miss by Alterique Gilbert and made one of two foul shots. Jackson made two more foul shots to give the Shockers a 76-75 lead with 58 seconds to play. 
 
In overtime, Jackson rebounded a miss by Dexter Dennis and scored. Another offensive rebound turned into a three-point play to cut into UCF's five-point lead. He checked out with five points and four rebounds in three minutes of overtime action.
 
 

6-0 all-time against UCF. #watchus pic.twitter.com/PIUHRmG9up

— Wichita State Men's Basketball (@GoShockersMBB) January 31, 2021

 
 
The Knights forced the Shockers to rally from eight down in regulation and five down in overtime. Jackson, who also had two steals, put his imprint of motion and indefatigability all over the comebacks.
 
"We just knew as a team that the game was still going on, and we could pull it out," he said. "You've got to have that mentality to know that you're still in the game and it's not over until the buzzer goes off."
 
The Shockers got expected production from Etienne, GIlbert and center Morris Udeze. With freshman Ricky Council IV off track, they needed offense from another spot and Jackson delivered. He hit a three-pointer, didn't commit a turnover and, after missing two foul shots early in the second half, made four of five the rest of the way.
 
"Late in the game he executed plays," Brown said. "We felt like when we press, he's one of those high-motor guys that don't get tired, so we needed him during that press time."
 
Jackson shook off the missed foul shots, which helped earn him minutes late in the game.
 
"I'm glad to come through for my team at the end of the day," he said. "I knew that they knew I was going to hit them in the end and come through clutch. They trust and they believe in me."
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.