Men's Hoops Unable to Contain Late Surge From West VirginiaMen's Hoops Unable to Contain Late Surge From West Virginia

Men's Hoops Unable to Contain Late Surge From West Virginia

by Jenna VanHoose
Box Score

ORLANDO — UCF men’s basketball came up short against West Virginia as the Mountaineers used a late surge to earn a 74-67 win inside Addition Financial Arena on Saturday night.

UCF (17-7, 6-6 Big 12) led by as many as 14 points in the second half before West Virginia (16-9, 7-5) answered with a decisive run over the final eight minutes.

 

"Well, we got to fight out of it. It's just that simple. We have to fight out of it. Nothing's gonna be given to you in this league. We understand that. We have to look at what we did wrong. We have to make the adjustments that's necessary, and come out with a better performance the next time we step foot on the floor. It's that simple, because this league is tough. And I said, it's a gauntlet, and every night, you face somebody that can beat you, and you're gonna have to play well to win."

Johnny DawkinsHead Coach

The Knights opened the game with a 3-pointer from Riley Kugel and battled through multiple lead changes in the first half. Chris Johnson converted a three-point play to give UCF a 10-8 edge, and Jordan Burks later knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Knights ahead 20-18 with just over seven minutes remaining.

John Bol provided a spark in the paint, recording consecutive baskets off assists from Themus Fulks, and UCF used a quick 7-0 run in the closing minutes of the half to stretch its advantage. West Virginia answered before the break, trimming the deficit to 29-28 at halftime.

UCF carried that momentum into the second half, opening on a 7-0 run behind a layup and 3-pointer from Kugel. Burks added another 3-pointer, and Devan Cambridge converted a three-point play to push the Knights’ lead to 11 with just over 14 minutes remaining. Fulks then made back-to-back shots to give the Knights a 14-point lead.

West Virginia responded with a 13-2 run to erase the deficit and tie the game at 56. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Fulks converting a three-point play in the final minute, but the Mountaineers closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the 74-67 decision.

Fulks led UCF with 19 points and seven assists. Kugel added 13 points, going 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Johnson and Burks each finished with 10 points, while Burks added eight rebounds. Bol recorded a career-high five blocks and added seven points.

UP NEXT

UCF continues its homestand Tuesday, Feb. 14, when it hosts TCU. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

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.