Men's Hoops Topples No. 11 Texas Tech, 88-80Men's Hoops Topples No. 11 Texas Tech, 88-80

Men's Hoops Topples No. 11 Texas Tech, 88-80

by Aiden Kocol
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ORLANDO – For 36 minutes and six seconds, the UCF Citronauts controlled the game on Saturday afternoon. And by the final buzzer inside Addition Financial Arena, there was no mistaking where they belong, as UCF knocked off No. 11 Texas Tech in a decisive 88-80 victory. 

The victory lifts the Citronauts to 17-4 overall, the most wins through the month of January in program history, and 6-3 in Big 12 play, while Texas Tech slips to 16-5 and 6-2. UCF asserted itself on the glass with a double-digit rebounding advantage (35-23) and matched that presence with tight ball security, forcing 13 turnovers while surrendering only six, an effort that underscored their control throughout.

"....I thought our guys played a full 40-minute basketball game. We’ve challenged them all season about playing 40 minutes — not 35, not 30 — and tonight it took all 40 to be successful. I give our guys a lot of credit for believing and continuing to fight. Texas Tech challenges you on both ends of the floor, and I thought our guys responded every time they had to."

Head Coach Johnny Dawkins

The Citronauts’ defense wasted no time making its presence felt, clamping down on Texas Tech in the opening stretch to force a three-minute scoring drought and race out to a 7-2 lead by the 16:51 mark. Despite giving up four early turnovers and the slow offensive start, the Red Raiders eventually found their footing on the defensive end of the hardwood, forcing back-to-back stops on the Citronauts. That, coupled with a trio of jumpers from JT Toppin, knotted the game at 20 with 10:05 left in the opening frame.

Space U found its answer to the surge behind John Bol, who dominated the early minutes with eight points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting effort while hauling in five rebounds in the opening nine minutes. Bol, who tallied a career-high 14 points on the day, was a major force for the ‘Nauts throughout the game, spearheading the team’s efforts on the glass to record his second double-double of the season with 10 boards.

Even with Texas Tech’s best effort to push itself out in front of the ‘Nauts, it soon found itself suffocated once more by UCF’s defensive pressure, falling into yet another three-minute scoring dry spell. Using the offensive lull to their advantage, the Citronauts built their lead back out to seven, 34-27, sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Carmelo Pacheco and Riley Kugel with just over five minutes to play before halftime. A steal in the final minute from Kugel, followed by two free throws from Jamichael Stillwell, gave the Citronauts a four-point edge, 44-40, headed into the break.

Stillwell made his presence in the paint equally as known, bringing in 10 rebounds and 10 points for the ‘Nauts. Marking the third time this season, two players have had a double-double in a single game (Fulks/Stillwell vs Oakland, Fulks/Bol vs FAU).

Momentum stayed firmly on UCF’s side to open the second half, as Bol scored five quick points to stretch the lead to seven, 57-50, just five minutes in. Texas Tech responded with urgency, however, forcing a brief Citronauts scoring drought while knocking down six consecutive field goals to pull within four, 66-62, with 11:29 left. But the 'Nauts refused to relinquish control, as free throws from Kugel and a timely layup by Themus Fulks restored a six-point advantage, 75-69, with just under seven minutes remaining.

Fulks, remained at the heart of the ‘Nauts offense pouring in a team-high 21 points, while dishing out seven assist. Jordan Burks also added in double-digits of his own, contributing 17 points on an efficient five-of-seven mark from the floor. 

The Red Raiders made one final push late, trimming the deficit to two with 1:55 to go, but the Citronauts delivered the decisive blow, as Chris Johnson threw down a dunk in the final moments, putting an exclamation point on the final score, sealing the 88-80 victory as UCF knocked off No. 11 Texas Tech in Orlando.

UCF has now won three consecutive Big 12 games for the first time since joining the conference ahead of the 2023-24 season. The victory also marks the program’s first win over a No. 11-ranked opponent, snapping an 0-6 mark in such matchups before Saturday afternoon.

UP NEXT
The squad will travel to Houston, Texas, to take on the Houston Cougars inside the Fertitta Center for a 7 PM tip. The game will be broadcast live on FS1 or you can follow along on 96.9 The Game using the link 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.