UCF’s bench came ready to play - and it might just be the difference-maker in their push toward March.
In Saturday’s 95-86 win over Colorado, the Knights’ reserves didn’t just hold their own - they stole the show. UCF’s bench outscored Colorado’s 30-15, and it was the kind of performance that doesn’t just win games - it builds postseason résumés.
Leading the charge was sixth-year senior Devan Cambridge, who poured in 11 points and gave the Knights a jolt on both ends of the floor. He knocked down a pair of threes and crashed the offensive glass with purpose, creating second-chance looks that helped UCF keep the pressure on.
Cambridge, the most seasoned player on the roster, showed why experience matters in the Big 12 grind. His offensive versatility and defensive presence continue to be a steadying force, and his improved shooting stroke - a carryover from his 57.1% clip from deep last year at Texas Tech - is paying dividends.
But Cambridge wasn’t alone.
Junior guard Carmelo Pacheco came off the bench with something to prove - and delivered. He hit all three of his attempts from beyond the arc, finishing with nine points and giving UCF a reliable perimeter threat in the first half.
It was a breakout moment for Pacheco, who had scored just nine points combined over his last five games. This wasn’t his first time flashing long-range firepower - he hit five threes against Texas A&M back in November - but Saturday’s performance felt like a timely reminder of what he can bring when he finds rhythm.
And while Pacheco provided the spark, junior guard Chris Johnson brought the stability. Filling in for senior Riley Kugel, who found himself in early foul trouble, Johnson stepped up with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
It marked his fifth double-digit scoring game of the season, and once again, he showed his value as a secondary ball handler. With Kugel and fifth-year senior Themus Fulks often playing off the ball, Johnson’s ability to initiate offense has become a key piece of the Knights’ backcourt rotation.
UCF was missing junior big man Jeremy Foumena in this one, but his recent contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. In the Knights’ nail-biting 73-72 win earlier this season, Foumena stepped up in a big way, logging a season-high 30 minutes after sophomore John Bol exited with an elbow injury.
Foumena made the most of his opportunity, scoring 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds. His touch around the rim and physical presence inside have made him a reliable option off the bench for head coach Johnny Dawkins.
Depth has always been a separator in college basketball, especially come tournament time. And if Saturday was any indication, UCF’s bench is starting to click at just the right moment.
With this win likely qualifying as a quad-1 victory - thanks to Colorado’s strength of schedule - it could carry serious weight when Selection Sunday rolls around. The Knights haven’t danced in March since 2019, but performances like this keep that door wide open.
Now sitting at 15-4 overall and 4-3 in Big 12 play, UCF heads home for a Tuesday night matchup against Arizona State. After that, the road gets tougher - with back-to-back games against No.
12 Texas Tech and No. 6 Houston looming.
If the bench keeps showing up like this? The Knights might just be built for the stretch run.