Orlando's own, Riley Kugel, ignites UCF's offense with a career-high performance, fueling their postseason drive.
Senior guard Riley Kugel has been a revelation for Coach Dawkins and the Knights, proving as a consistent 3-level scorer in his return to his hometown.
Kugel, an Orlando product, spent two seasons with the University of Florida before transferring to Mississippi State last year. He joined UCF as the team's most highly-touted recruit, grading in as a 4-star transfer, according to 247 Sports.
Thus far, Kugel has not disappointed, leading the Knights in scoring with 14.6 points per game while often taking it upon himself to guard the opposing team's best guard.
After suffering an ankle injury on Feb. 17 against TCU, Kugel missed two games before emphatically returning against the Baylor Bears. The 6-foot-5 combo guard scored a career-high 26 points against the Bears, adding five assists and five rebounds.
Despite the 87-86 loss, Kugel fueled the Knights' comeback effort, scoring 14 second-half points to counter the team's double-digit halftime deficit.
Dawkins gave props to his leading scorer following the loss, praising him for staying ready despite limited reps.
"Well, he's talented young player and of course, he's one of our best players and so, you know, I think you're always better when your best players are able to play out there on the floor for you and so it's good to have him back," Dawkins said. "And I I thought he gave us, you know, everything that he had. I thought he, you know, he gave us everything considering he's been out for quite a while. He's missed several games and had very limited practices. And so, I thought for what he went through and, you know, it was impressive because a lot of players couldn't have done what he did tonight based on the limited reps he's taken since the injury."
Kugel followed up his career-high outburst with an efficient 18-point night against Oklahoma State, shooting 7-of-14 from the field. Having Kugel in a groove at this point in the season is a great sign for the Knights, who are approaching postseason play.
UCF closes out the regular season Friday at 8:00 p.m. against West Virginia. The Knights suffered a 111-104 loss against the Mountaineers in early January, sqaundering a late double-digit lead.
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