A sold-out arena fuels the Knights' fire as Themus Fulks erupts for a career-high 30 points, wowing both coaches.
Knight Nation came out in bunches to support UCF (14-3, 3-2 Big 12) against No. 1 Arizona (18-0, 5-0 Big 12), selling out Addition Financial Arena.
On X, @UCF_MBB posted the scenes following senior point guard Themus Fulks opening the scoring for the Knights. The student section was packed, utilizing the various props and erupting in cheer for the opening basket.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd spoke on the raucous environment following the game.
"First off, I mean, credit goes to UCF, the university and to Coach Dawkins. That was an amazing environment. That was a big-time college basketball environment," Lloyd said. "You know, UCF is building their program and establishing their traditions and their legacy, but you know, that [environment] was up there with any of them. Credit to you guys and it was a joy to compete in that environment. So, I'm just thankful for the opportunity."
Dawkins was also thankful for the support.
"The atmosphere was amazing. And we've had it here electric, you know, a number of occasions and I love that," Dawkins said. "That's what we wanted to build here - an atmosphere where our community comes out, where our students come out, because that's a big part of college athletics and college basketball. You know, the more support you can have, teams feed off of that - the energy."
Fulks put on a show for the Knights fans in attendance, scoring a career-high 30 points while adding eight assists and five rebounds. Fulks was able to beat his man off the dribble and get to his spots in the midrange - pulling up for good looks in the lane.
Lloyd was extremely impressed with Fulks scoring ability, noting his passing prowess, but giving him credit for giving the Wildcats a "30-piece."
"He's a heck of a player. He's got good speed, he's got good swag and good confidence. You know, we kind of had him pegged as a little bit more of a passer. You know, he's had twelve assists each of the last two games," Lloyd said. "We knew he could score a little bit and we told our guys that he's also a double-figure scorer, but you know, he hit some pretty tough shots."
Fulks has been incredible in conference play thus far, increasing his scoring average to 15.6 points per game and dishing out nearly eight assists.
UCF will need Fulks to continue his hot shooting against No. 2 Iowa State, who ranks top-three in scoring defense in the Big 12, allowing just 65 points per game to opponent squads.
The Knights take on the Cyclones at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday night.