In a commanding performance, forward Jordan Burks matched his career high with 23 points, adding seven rebounds to lead the Knights to an 82-71 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs. Burks was on fire from the start, sinking four three-pointers in the first half and tallying 16 points by halftime. His impact goes beyond the scoreboard, as Senior Guard Themus Fulks emphasized Burks’ crucial role in the team's success.
“He’s important every night,” Fulks remarked. “People don’t always see it on the stat sheet, but without him, we probably wouldn’t be in this position.”
The Knights took an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. Apart from the opening seconds, UCF never trailed, heading into halftime with a solid 42-28 advantage. This was largely due to their stifling defense, which held the Horned Frogs to just 34% shooting and a mere 2-11 from three-point range in the first half.
UCF Head Coach Johnny Dawkins praised his team's defensive execution. “We focused on understanding their personnel and defending accordingly, and I thought we did a good job of that in the first half,” Dawkins said.
The return of forward Jamichael Stillwell, who missed the previous game due to injury, was a key factor. Last game, Stillwell watched as his team let a 14-point lead slip against West Virginia. This time, when TCU went on a 9-0 run in the second half, Stillwell helped halt their momentum, seizing the chance to correct past mistakes.
“I think Coach called a timeout and said, ‘The basketball gods put us in this situation again,’” Stillwell shared. “We didn’t get a redo last time, but we pulled it out this time.”
TCU head coach Jamie Dixon anticipated Stillwell’s return, despite his game-time decision status. “I’m not very bright,” Dixon quipped.
“But I knew that one was coming. We prepared as if he was going to play.”
This victory showcased the Knights’ resilience and strategic prowess, setting a strong tone for the rest of the season.