February has been a black hole for UCF. Can Johnny Dawkins' Knights break the streak and secure their tournament bid?
The UCF Knights are on a two-game losing streak to start the month, and history over the last three seasons suggests that they will have a collapse.
Coach Johnny Dawkins and his team hit a wall once February comes around. They are a combined 8-14 in the month, spanning from the 2022-23 season to the 2024-25 season.
The last time UCF had a winning record in February was during the 2021-22 season when it was a part of the American Conference, and the team went 5-2.
Dawkins has consistently praised the Big 12's toughness and talent in his press conferences this season and doesn't underestimate his opponents.
"You're running the gauntlet," Dawkins said before UCF's upset against Texas Tech. "I always say every night you play a terrific opponent, and then you start preparing for another terrific opponent. That's just the way it is. And I think it really, you know, if you're a competitor, I think you really enjoy being in these moments. And I think our guys have enjoyed the competition and being able to compete on a nightly basis, and I think it makes you better over the course of your career when you're facing challenges like this every night."
The Knights have fared well against tough competition, evidenced by their 6-5 record in conference play. It is the first time they're over .500 in the Big 12 compared to the last two seasons at this point in the year.
They're also the closest they've been to making the NCAA Tournament since 2019. UCF has trended towards being a lock for the tournament, but a disastrous collapse this month would significantly decrease its chances of making the tournament.
The Knights went on a six-game losing streak to begin February, going from 13-7 (4-5 Big 12) to 13-13 (4-11). That stretch ruined any chance of making a run to the NCAA Tournament, and instead, they played in the College Basketball Crown.
Dawkins and his squad have 17 wins, paired with multiple Quad 1 victories, helping their NET rankings. A tournament berth is within grasp, but February woes haunt the team.
UCF plays one ranked team in the final seven games of the season — No. 22 Brigham Young. However, that doesn't mean this closing stretch is easy for the Knights. They're coming off a 20-point blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, whom they beat earlier in the season.
Dawkins understands every team in the league is talented and can win on any given night.
"You have to have your a-game every time you step foot on the court, or it's going to be a tough night," Dawkins said.