Called unexpectedly, Hulsewe ignited the Knights with timely scoring and energy, proving bench depth when needed most.
Coach Johnny Dawkins rarely calls Elijah Hulsewe's name off the bench, but against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (18-12, 6-11 Big 12), he was called in early and made the most of his minutes.
The 7-foot center played nine minutes in UCF's (20-9, 9-8 Big 12) 111-104 loss, which is tied for the most he's played since Nov. 3, 2025, against Hofstra. Hulsewe received the opportunity because center Jeremy Foumena missed the game with an injury he suffered against Baylor last Saturday.
Hulsewe scored nine points on 3-for-5 shooting and grabbed four rebounds. His performance delivered a much-needed contribution in the absence of Foumena, and Dawkins said he was impressed with the Orlando native's play.
"I thought Elijah gave us a good lift," Dawkins added. "I thought he gave us good energy. I thought he played hard. And we always talk about guys being ready for their opportunities. I thought he was ready for his opportunity. He came in, and I thought he was solid, and that's what you got to have. Guys that come in solid. They play their roles well, and they gave us good energy, and I thought Elijah was able to give us that."
Alongside praising Hulsewe, Dawkins provided an update on Foumena's injury status, saying he's still day-to-day.
"He's still suffering with his injury, but he's continuing to improve," Dawkins said. "He's working hard. We got the best doctors and trainers in the business. They're doing everything they can to help him recover, but ultimately it's a process. And I'm not sure when that time will come where he's available, but I do know he's working as hard as he can to get back as fast as he can."
Foumena has struggled with injuries this season. The 6-foot-11 center missed four straight games last month after falling hard in the Knights' loss against then-No. 9 Iowa State.
Despite injuries, Dawkins' bench has showcased the ability to step up in the absence of key players.
UCF has one final regular-season game left against the West Virginia Mountaineers on Friday. The Knights travel to the WVU Coliseum for the matchup, and the game tips off at 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
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