LEXINGTON, Ky. - The UCF men’s basketball team rallied from a double-digit deficit to take a late lead against No. 23 Kentucky, but the Wildcats pulled away in overtime to defeat the Knights, 90-76, in an exhibition matchup inside Rupp Arena.
Dior Johnson led the Black and Gold with 22 points, while Isaiah Malone added 14 points and Riley Kugel contributed 12. Arturo Dean chipped in 10 points, and Cayden Vasko paced the Knights with five assists.
Kentucky opened the contest with the first basket following the opening tip, but Dean answered with a layup to get UCF on the board. The Wildcats built an early advantage before Lewis Walker connected from beyond the arc on an assist from Vasko to end a scoreless stretch for the Knights.
UCF continued to battle back as John Bol knocked down a jumper and Malone connected from three-point range. After Kentucky extended its lead, Carmelo Pacheco hit a 3-pointer off another Vasko assist before Johnson returned to the floor and scored on consecutive possessions, including a triple.
Malone added another 3-pointer off a pass from Pacheco to cap an 8-0 UCF run. The Knights closed the first half on a 13-4 surge over the final three minutes to cut Kentucky’s lead to 39-35 at the break.
The Black and Gold carried that momentum into the second half. Malone opened the scoring with a 3-pointer before throwing down a dunk to bring UCF within two at 41-39 with 16:57 remaining.
Kentucky responded with a 7-0 run, but Malone answered with a driving basket following a pass from Vasko. After both teams went more than two minutes without scoring, Johnson ended the drought with a layup.
UCF continued to chip away, using a 7-0 run to pull within three at 57-54 with 7:49 remaining. Johnson later converted both free throws to tie the game at 63 with just over four minutes to play.
Kugel gave the Knights their first lead of the contest at 65-63 with a layup at the 3:14 mark. Kentucky quickly evened the score, setting up a back-and-forth finish.
Johnson scored on an inbound play and converted the ensuing free throw for a three-point play to put UCF ahead, 68-67. After Kentucky regained the lead at the free-throw line, Dean converted both attempts from the stripe to give the Knights a 70-69 advantage with 26 seconds remaining.
Kentucky missed both free throws on its next trip to the line, and Malone secured the rebound. Malone then split a pair of free throws to put UCF ahead, 71-69, with five seconds left. The Wildcats answered with a jumper to send the game to overtime tied at 71.
Kentucky opened the extra period with a 3-pointer, while Johnson and Kugel answered with baskets for the Knights. The Wildcats then took control, closing the game on a 12-1 run to secure the 90-76 victory.
Malone and Dean each grabbed seven rebounds to lead UCF on the glass.
UP NEXT
UCF opens the regular season at Addition Financial Arena on Monday, Nov. 2, against in-state opponent FGCU. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
UCF men's basketball tickets are on sale now, including season tickets, single-game tickets and mini plans. Be sure to catch all the action starting Nov. 2 as the Knights return to the court. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000.
Season tickets, single-game tickets and mini plans are available now.
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.