Knights forced turnovers, dominated the glass, and saw a career-high performance, securing a stunning upset win and bolstering NCAA Tournament hopes.
The UCF Knights (17-4, 6-3 Big 12) added another upset victory to their resume this season after defeating No. 11 Texas Tech (16-5, 6-2 Big 12) 88-80 at the Addition Financial Arena in their annual Space Game Saturday afternoon.
UCF led for 36:06, backed by defensive discipline and their front court controlling the offensive glass. The team's intensity and attention to detail skyrocket in these matchups, especially in front of the 8,511 home fans.
As the Knights inch closer to earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019, here are some takeaways from their second upset victory.
KNIGHTS' DEFENSE FORCED TEXAS TECH TURNOVERS
The Red Raiders averaged 10.4 turnovers before Saturday's matchup, and UCF made them have an uncharacteristic afternoon. They turned the ball over 13 times.
Forwards JT Toppin and LeJuan Watts, and guard Christian Anderson combined for 11 turnovers. Toppin and Anderson committed four traveling violations throughout the game.
"That just shows our activity defensively and against a team like them, they really don't turn the ball over a lot," coach Johnny Dawkins said. "So, just being active again, looking to make the plays that are there in front of you. And I thought our guys did a good job of that. And then trying to turn those turnovers into points becomes important because those are quick opportunities you may have, and you have to try to take advantage of them."
JOHN BOL SETS CAREER-HIGH, RECORD SECOND CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Bol was one of the four Knights in double figures against Texas Tech, and guard Themus Fulks repeatedly put him in advantageous scoring positions. He scored 14 points, a career-high, and grabbed 10 rebounds, netting his second double-double of the season.
"Well, he's getting better," Dawkins said. "I mean, he's like all of our players, they're a work in progress. This season, I see the improvement in him, and I think he's going to be a player that, like I said, his best basketball still ahead of him, and that's a good thing because he's playing well for us with a lot of room to grow."
Bol's last double-double was against Florida Atlantic on Dec. 23, and his previous career-high in points was 13 against Quinnipiac on Nov. 25.
UCF DOMINATES RED RAIDERS ON THE GLASS
Rebounding is one of the Knights' strengths, as they averaged 38.5 rebounds heading into this matchup. They outrebounded Texas Tech 35-23, but what aided UCF's upset was the offensive rebounds.
The Knights had 13 offensive rebounds to the Red Raiders' 4, leading to 21 second-chance points.
"I think our guys — just their activity, the activity that our guys showed, they had opportunities to make plays, and they were able to make them," Dawkins said. "You know, in basketball, you got to be active, and you got to try to find ways to help your team. I thought some of our guys did a really good job of finding ways to get us an extra possession or to make a play for us."
KNIGHTS FACE NO. 10 HOUSTON NEXT
Dawkins and his squad will travel to the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas, for another ranked showdown next Wednesday. The team aims to carry over their momentum for another upset and re-enter the AP Top 25.
Next Wednesday's matchup is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on FS1.