UCF Knights stage dramatic comeback, forcing overtime with late surge. Clutch free throws and key baskets secure improbable victory, likely sealing March Madness berth.
UCF (21-10) stormed back in the final minutes of the regulation to steal a 66-65 victory over Cincinnati in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament.
The Knights overcame dismal shooting with an eight point flurry in the final two minutes, likely securing their first March Madness berth since 2019. Prior to the game, UCF's destiny rested in the balance as the Knights were one of the last four teams in and the Bearcats peered in from the outside.
Monday afternoon, the Orlando Sentinel's Matt Murschel dropped big news via X about what UCF needed to do to secure an at-large bid.
"Just got off a conference call with ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi, who said #UCF should be safe for an NCAA tourney bid with a win in the Big 12 tourney and 2 wins would help them avoid Dayton and the First Four," Murschel wrote.
UCF shot just 34% from the field, while making only 3-24 (13%) 3-point attempts, a season low.
The Knights' front court carried a big load, especially down the stretch and into overtime. Senior forward Jamichael Stillwell led the Knights in scoring and rebounding with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Stillwell and backup UCF big man Jeremy Foumena were both able to suit up despite being game-time decisions.
Following the game, Stillwell's teammate showered him with Gatorade, commemorating his double-double performance.
Sophomore center John Bol showed great poise and focus at the free-throw line, knocking down four consecutive attempts in overtime and answering the Bearcats blows.
Senior Cincinnati guard Day Day Thomas was the one delivering those punches, scoring all seven of the Bearcats' points in overtime. Thomas, who shot just 1-11 before overtime, made three consecutive buckets, including his only make from deep.
Senior guard Riley Kugel also continued his consistent scoring over the past four games, scoring 15 points, including an acrobatic lay-up to send the game to overtime.
Head coach Johnny Dawkins dialed up a 1-3-1 press late in the game to ignite UCF's run. The Knights' defense sped up the Bearcats. forcing multiple turnovers leading to easy scores.
UCF moves on to face No. 1-seeded Arizona tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the second round. But, more importantly, this win likely sured up the Knights return to the Big Dance.
The Knights will likely look back at this win as the sealing moment for their March Madness berth, but for now, they will look to avenge a close 84-77 loss to Arizona earlier in the season. All-Big 12 Third Team selection Themus Fulks scored a season-high 30 points against the Wildcats, positioning himself for another big performance Wednesday afternoon.
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