Fulks fuels UCF's victories, closing games and setting up teammates. He's back in the Big 12 Starting Five, delivering clutch performances.
UCF (19-7, 8-6 Big 12) fifth-year point guard Themus Fulks earned a spot on the Big 12 Starting Five, marking his third time earning the recognition.
Fulks averaged 19 points, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game across the two victories, serving as UCF's closer and table-setter.
In the Knights' last victory, Fulks closed a 24-point performance with two game-winning free throws, sealing a 73-71 road victory over Utah. Prior to that, Fulks filled up the stat sheet in a wire-to-wire victory over TCU - a win that was crucial for keeping the Knights on the right side of the bubble.
UCF's lead guard scored 14 points while dropping seven dimes and notching two steals and a block to down the Horned Frogs 82-71.
Fulks is one of the top assist-guys in the nation, ranking second in the conference and thirteenth nationally with 6.7 assists per game. Currently, Fulks is set to break the program single-season assist record, sitting just 10 behind Sinua Phillips (1991-1992), according to UCF Athletics.
He has also been the Knights' most efficient player, shooting 47.7% from the field and 43.2% from distance - both career high marks.
This Starting Five honor comes after a brief period of struggle, especially compared to Fulks' normal. Before these past two UCF victories, the Knights endured a three-game losing streak - their longest of the season.
Fulks struggled immensely in the first two contests, scoring just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting while converting just three assists against the then-ranked No. 8 Houston Cougars.
The next loss came by the hands of Cincinnati, blowing out UCF 92-72. The Knights offense was stagnant as a whole, but Fulks truly struggled, playing just 19 minutes after two early turnovers and failing to score.
Fulks bounced back with a much better offensive performance in UCF's third-consecutive defeat, scoring nineteen points and adding seven assists. However, Fulks fouled out for the first time this season, while struggling with turnovers. Fulks' six turnovers marked a season-high.
The Knights will need Fulks to defend his Starting Five honor against BYU Tuesday. Freshman phenom and fellow Starting Five member, AJ Dybantsa has been on fire as of late, averaging over 30 points per game over his last six games.
Fulks will have his hands full defensively defending Dybantsa's main scoring sidekick, sophomore guard Robert Wright III. Wright III averages 18 points and nearly five assists per game.
UCF tips off in Provo at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.
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