Memphis, TN -- (Sports Network) - The UCF Knights overcame a sluggish offensive effort to post a 28-21 win over the Memphis Tigers in Conference USA action at Liberty Bowl Stadium.

UCF (4-7, 3-4 C-USA) had only 10 first downs and finished with 194 yards of total offense. Rob Calabrese completed 6-of-12 passes for just 54 yards, though helped the Knights' cause with two touchdown passes.

Memphis (5-6, 3-4) quarterback Arkelon Hall struggled with his accuracy, completing just 15-of-35 passes for 183 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Knights took a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter on a four-yard touchdown pass from Calabrese to Ricky Kay, which was set up by a blocked punt.

They added to their lead less than a minute later, when linebacker Derrick Hallman scooped up a fumble and returned it 26 yards to pay dirt.

But the Tigers answered right back on the third play of the ensuing drive, as Hall connected with Duke Calhoun for a 54-yard scoring strike.

UCF put together a 12-play, 82-yard drive toward the end of the second quarter, and Latavius Murray capitalized with a one-yard touchdown run with 38 seconds remaining in the half.

The Knights scored on the opening possession of the second half to push their lead to 28-7, as Calabrese tossed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Kyhmest Williams.

Memphis cut it to 28-14 on a two-yard touchdown run by Curtis Steele with 4:52 remaining in the third.

Steven Black scored on a three-yard touchdown run at the 8:24 mark of the fourth quarter, but the Tigers could draw no closer.

The Knights had a bit of fortune on their side, as they fumbled five times, but lost only one.