Date: Monday, Nov. 2

Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Addition Financial Arena

Streaming/Radio: ESPN+/96.9 The Game

History:

UCF is 1-1 all-time against the in-state rival Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, losing a game back in 2002.

Last season, however, the Knights picked up a dominant victory to even the series, knocking off the Eagles 102-80.

The offense was rolling for the Knights, shooting 19-for-35 from 3-point range and 52% from the field.

Themus Fulks and Jordan Burks led the way with 44 combined points, while starting big man John Bol made both of his field goal attempts in 19 minutes of action.

Betting Odds:

UCF -22.5

Total Points: O/U 153.5

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Dior Johnson: 

After spending the 2024-2025 season with the Knights, Johnson transferred to Tarleton State, where he averaged 24 points per game and was one of the most-dynamic scorers in the country.

Johnson averaged 19.7 points per game across the three-game preseason slate, scoring 22 points against Kentucky.

Cayden Vasko:

One of two UCF captains, alongside Arturo Dean, Vasko is a unique player for his position. At 6-foot-6, Vasko is a bigger guard that will serve as head coach Johnny Dawkins' table-setter this upcoming season.

John Bol:

After serving as UCF's starting center last season, Bol is expected to take a big jump as a junior, and will once again anchor Dawkins' front court.

Last season, Bol showed significant growth throughout the season, especially on the offensive end.

Despite the added firepower Dawkins brought in through the transfer portal, the biggest unexpected addition made to the roster may be Riley Kugel, who was deemed eligible following the back-and-forth going on with class of 2022 high school graduates.

Last season, Kugel averaged 14.4 points per game, scoring from all three levels and serving as one of Dawkins' top perimeter defenders.

He is a skilled offensive player, who can get to his spots and rise up for impressive jump shot makes.

Following the year, Kugel declared for the NBA Draft, but ended up going undrafted and landing with the Los Angeles Clippers' Summer League squad.

Despite limited opportunities in Las Vegas, Kugel's experience gained by practicing alongside NBA players and coaches should benefit him, and gives UCF a skilled player with experience running Dawkins' scheme.