Vanderbilt’s hot perimeter shooting and efficiency at the foul line proved to be the difference. The Commodores connected on 14-of-36 from beyond the arc and converted 88 percent (15-of-17) of their free throws, while committing just six turnovers. UCF hit 9-of-16 threes and went 22-of-28 from the stripe, but couldn’t overcome Vanderbilt’s offensive rhythm.
Both teams came out firing early as Vanderbilt hit six of its first seven shots, while UCF opened 5-for-7 from the floor. After UCF briefly reclaimed the lead, 15-14, on a driving layup by George Beale Jr., Vanderbilt responded with a 10-0 run, capped by a Tyler Nickel three-pointer. The Commodores extended their advantage behind a 61-percent shooting first half, taking a 52-36 lead into the break.
Vanderbilt stretched its lead to as many as 27 points early in the second half, but UCF never backed down and started chipping away at Vandy’s lead. Trailing 82-63 with 7:53 remaining, the Knights mounted a 12-2 run, capped by a Johnson three-pointer that cut the deficit to single digits. The crowd came alive as UCF pulled within nine, but Vanderbilt steadied itself late to secure the road win.
In addition to Kugel’s offensive spark, UCF’s bench provided 45 points, led by Stillwell and Johnson. The Knights shot an efficient 53 percent from the field overall and 78 percent from the free-throw line but were outscored, 20-2 in points off turnovers.
