Men's Hoops Bested, 79-55, at No. 8 Houston

HOUSTON, Texas – UCF Men’s Hoops was unable to overcome a stifling Houston Cougars defense on Wednesday evening, ultimately falling 79-55 inside the Fertitta Center.

Even with an impressive 17-for-20 free-throw mark, the Knights (17-5, 6-4 Big 12) were unable to bounce back from a 30.8% field goal percentage as a physical Houston Cougars (20-2, 8-1) squad forced 11 turnovers, and outrebounded the Black and Gold 40-29.

Although UCF faced offensive struggles, it found what advantages it could using a balanced attack, as Riley Kugel led the team with nine points, while Themus Fulks, Jordan Burks, John Bol, and Jamichael Stillwell each contributed eight.

Despite committing four turnovers and going scoreless over a 2:29 stretch early in the game, the Knights trailed by only two, 6-4, at the first media timeout. Although UCF’s offensive woes persisted, the Cougars soon encountered problems of their own, hitting just one of their next 11 shots and enduring a 3:38 scoring drought, forcing the Cougars to cling to a slim 9-8 advantage at the 11:29 mark.

Although offensive execution remained an issue for both sides through the middle of the half, Houston eventually stabilized itself on its home court, stringing together a quick 10-0 run, to lead 25-13 with just over four minutes remaining in the opening half.

In spite of a 0-for-10 mark from behind the arc, the Cougars still managed to build an aggressive 33-19 lead by the break, leaning on suffocating defensive pressure, which forced seven giveaways and held the Knights' field goal percentage to just 28%. Houston also held control of the glass in the opening frame, bringing down 23 against UCF’s 13.

The Cougars opened the second half on a tear, making eight of their first nine field-goal attempts to extend their lead to 20, 51-31, with 13:18 remaining.

UCF showed more presence on the glass in the second half, pulling down 13 rebounds to Houston’s 17 and limiting second-chance opportunities. However, a ten-minute scoreless stretch stalled any momentum the Knights were trying to build, allowing Houston to push the lead as high as 34, 75-41, with just over three minutes remaining.

Despite knocking down three straight three-pointers in the closing minutes, UCF’s late effort came too late, as the Knights fell to the Cougars, 79-55, inside the Fertitta Center on Wednesday evening.

UP NEXT
The Knights will head to Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 8, to face the Cincinnati Bearcats for the second time this season for a 2 PM tipoff in Fifth Third Arena. The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network 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.