Cincinnati Clamps Down on Fulks, Catches Fire in Blowout Win Over UCF
On a night where nothing seemed to go right for UCF, the Cincinnati Bearcats flipped the script - and then some. In a dominant performance that few saw coming, Cincinnati not only shut down the Knights’ offensive engine but also delivered one of its best shooting nights of the season, cruising to a lopsided win and evening the season series at 1-1.
For UCF (17-6, 6-5 Big 12), this wasn’t just another conference loss - it was their first Quad 2 stumble of the season, and it came in uncharacteristically lopsided fashion. The Bearcats (12-12, 4-7 Big 12), who entered the game at the bottom of the Big 12 in shooting efficiency, looked like a completely different team - confident, connected, and downright lethal on both ends of the floor.
Cincinnati Puts the Clamps on Themus Fulks
The story starts with defense, and Cincinnati brought it in waves. UCF’s lead guard, Themus Fulks, has been the straw that stirs the drink all season - averaging nearly seven assists per game and serving as a steady scoring option both at the rim and from deep. But on Sunday, he was completely taken out of the equation.
Fulks didn’t score a single point - the first time that’s happened since Nov. 30, 2023 - and finished with as many turnovers as assists. Cincinnati’s defensive game plan was clear: disrupt Fulks’ rhythm, stay attached, and force someone else to beat them. Mission accomplished.
“They had awareness of where he was,” UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins said postgame. “They had a game plan to try to limit what he did, and I thought they did a good job.”
Without Fulks orchestrating the offense, UCF struggled to find consistent looks. The Bearcats’ pressure forced the Knights into tough, contested shots, and the offense never found its usual flow.
Bearcats Catch Fire in Rare Offensive Outburst
Coming into the game, Cincinnati had been one of the worst shooting teams in the Big 12 - just 41.7% from the field and 30.4% from three. But against UCF, they looked like a team reborn.
The Bearcats shot a blistering 59% from the floor and a staggering 61% from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency would be impressive against any opponent - but against a UCF team known for its defensive toughness, it was downright shocking.
The offensive eruption fueled a 14-2 run to close the first half and a 9-0 spurt later that sealed the deal. Every Bearcats starter scored in double digits - a rare feat for a team that’s often leaned on individual efforts to stay competitive.
- Baba Miller led the way with 17 points, showing off his versatility as a stretch forward.
- Moustapha Thiam added 15 points in the paint, anchoring the interior.
- Jizzle James and Day’Day Thomas chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively, keeping the backcourt pressure on.
- Jalen Celestine rounded out the group with 14 points, hitting timely shots that helped stretch the lead.
It was a complete team effort - the kind of balanced attack Cincinnati has been searching for all season.
Chris Johnson Shines in Relief Role
With Fulks struggling, UCF turned to freshman guard Chris Johnson off the bench - and he delivered. Johnson poured in 16 points and dished out six assists, providing a much-needed spark for a Knights team desperate for answers.
His energy was infectious. He knocked down big threes, finished through contact at the rim, and helped UCF chip away at what was once a daunting deficit. It wasn’t enough to mount a full comeback, but it was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating night.
“Really happy for Chris,” Dawkins said. “I thought he did a great job.
Gave us a good lift with his energy. Came off the bench, came off ready and [I'm] just happy to see him continue to develop in our system.”
This marks the sixth time Johnson has scored in double figures off the bench - a sign that his role is growing as the season rolls on.
Looking Ahead
UCF now gets a five-day break before returning to action Saturday against West Virginia (15-9, 6-5 Big 12) at Addition Financial Arena. It’s a chance to regroup, reset, and recalibrate after a loss that exposed some cracks in the foundation.
As for Cincinnati, this win won’t erase a tough season, but it’s a reminder of what this team can be when it puts it all together. If they can bottle that shooting performance and keep up the defensive intensity, they’ll be a tough out down the stretch.
For UCF, the challenge is clear: bounce back, get Fulks back in rhythm, and tighten the screws defensively. Because in the Big 12, there’s no such thing as a night off - and Sunday was a painful reminder of that.