Men's Hoops Holds Off Cincinnati for 73-72 WinMen's Hoops Holds Off Cincinnati for 73-72 Win

Men's Hoops Holds Off Cincinnati for 73-72 Win

by Jenna VanHoose
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ORLANDO — In a game where neither team led by double digits, No. 25 UCF men’s basketball survived a late surge from Cincinnati to earn a 73-72 victory Sunday night inside Addition Financial Arena.

 

 

“Just Big 12 basketball at its best. Every single night, it’s a fight. You have terrific coaches, terrific talent on the floor and amazing environments. I thought our environment was huge tonight in helping us win this game. So, really excited for our win. We beat a very good basketball team—a team that could easily be 3-0. I’m proud of our guys for the effort they showed, how hard they played and definitely for the play they had coming down the stretch.”

Johnny DawkinsHead Coach

The Knights shot 57.7% from the field, their best mark against a Big 12 opponent since joining the conference ahead of the 2023-24 season. UCF improved to 13-2 overall and 2-1 in league play, while the Bearcats dropped to 8-8 and 0-3.

UCF weathered an early push from Cincinnati, which opened the game on a 6-2 run. Jordan Burks connected from beyond the arc to give the Knights their first lead, and Chris Johnson followed with a triple of his own. Jamichael Stillwell tied the game at 12 with an offensive rebound and putback at the 13-minute mark.

The Knights began to gain momentum midway through the half, stringing together a 9-0 run capped by a Stillwell jumper. Riley Kugel later buried a three to extend the surge to 14-2 over a five-minute stretch.

Cincinnati responded with a 6-0 run to pull within one, and a three-pointer from Day Day Thomas knotted the game at 23. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Kugel throwing down a dunk late in the half as UCF carried a 33-32 advantage into the break.

 

Kugel opened the second half with a jumper and an and-one to spark the Knights, though a UCF turnover led to a Bearcats basket that tied the game at 36. Kugel answered by going 2-for-2 from the line and finishing a layup to restore a four-point edge.

UCF used a 6-0 run midway through the half, punctuated by a Jeremy Foumena dunk off a Themus Fulks assist, but Cincinnati remained within striking distance. The lead changed hands multiple times, with Foumena’s pull-up jumper making it 51-50, followed by Burks drilling a three at the 8:33 mark.

After the game was tied at 57 entering the under-eight timeout, Johnson knocked down a three and Kugel followed with a dunk—both assisted by Fulks—as the Knights created separation. Stillwell later converted a three-point play after being fouled on a strong drive to the rim.

Cincinnati closed on a 6-0 run in the final two minutes to take the lead, but Fulks answered with a jumper with 13 seconds remaining, giving UCF the edge for good. The Knights then held on defensively to secure the one-point win.

Kugel led UCF with 19 points, while Stillwell added 15. Foumena finished with 12 points and a season-high eight rebounds, and Johnson chipped in 10. Fulks dished out double-digit assists for the fourth time this season.

The Knights head out on the road to Manhattan, Kansas where they take on Kansas State inside Bramlage Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. on Peacock.

 

STUDENT TICKET CLAIMS
Be sure to claim your ticket for the Knights' next home game on Jan. 17 against No. 1/2 Arizona. Don’t miss the action, be sure to claim your student ticket here.

SINGLE GAME AND SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
UCF basketball single-game and season tickets are on sale now. Be sure to catch all the action at Addition Financial Arena as Big 12 play heats up in Orlando. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (407) 823-1000 or online here. 

ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.