It was a rough night in Ames for the UCF Knights.
Just days removed from a hard-fought battle against top-ranked Arizona, UCF walked into Hilton Coliseum for another heavyweight bout-this time against No. 9 Iowa State. And while the Knights showed flashes early, what followed was a reminder of just how punishing Big 12 basketball can be when you’re up against an elite team firing on all cylinders.
The Cyclones overwhelmed UCF in an 87-57 blowout, handing the Knights their second straight loss and dropping them to 14-4 on the season, 3-3 in Big 12 play. Head coach Johnny Dawkins didn’t sugarcoat it: “We fell short.”
A promising start, then a sudden unraveling
Things actually started on a high note for UCF. Riley Kugel knocked down the game’s first three-pointer, giving the Knights a brief lead and a little early momentum.
But it didn’t last. Iowa State quickly seized control and never looked back.
Midway through the first half, UCF trailed by 13 but clawed their way back to within five. That’s when the wheels came off. The Cyclones closed the half on a 13-0 run, stretching their lead to 18 at the break-and from there, it was all Iowa State.
Turnovers, paint dominance, and a triple-double
The second half was all about Iowa State’s defense and physicality. The Cyclones forced 19 turnovers and turned those into 31 points.
That’s not just capitalizing-it’s punishing. UCF couldn’t find any rhythm offensively, shooting under 37% from the field, and they struggled to protect the ball against Iowa State’s aggressive, swarming defense.
In the paint, it was more of the same. Iowa State scored 42 points inside, using their size and strength to impose their will. Dawkins credited the Cyclones’ big men postgame, while also acknowledging that the turnover issues were “uncharacteristic” for his squad.
And then there was Joshua Johnson. The Cyclones’ guard put together a triple-double-17 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists-a complete performance that showcased just how versatile and impactful he can be. He was one of five Cyclones to score in double figures, a testament to how balanced and efficient Iowa State’s offense was all night.
Injuries piling up for the Knights
UCF didn’t just take a loss on the scoreboard-they took some hits physically, too. JaMichael Stillwell, who’s been a steady presence all season, was sidelined with a boot on his left foot after being listed as a game-time decision. Dawkins confirmed after the game that Stillwell is still day-to-day, and there’s no question his absence was felt, especially against such a physically imposing frontcourt.
To make matters worse, Jeremy Foumena went down in the second half while diving for a loose ball and didn’t return. Dawkins didn’t provide an update on his status, but it’s another concern for a team that’s already navigating a tough conference slate.
Small bright spots in a tough loss
When you lose by 30, there’s not a lot to celebrate-but there were a couple of performances worth noting. Riley Kugel and Jordan Burks each scored 15 points and knocked down three triples apiece. They were the only Knights to reach double figures in scoring, and Burks also led the team with seven rebounds.
Still, this was a game that exposed some of UCF’s biggest vulnerabilities: ball security, interior defense, and depth. Against a team like Iowa State, those weaknesses get magnified.
Looking ahead
Back-to-back games against top-10 opponents is a brutal stretch for any team, and UCF just got a firsthand look at what Big 12 basketball demands. The Knights have shown promise this season, but nights like this one serve as a measuring stick-and right now, there’s still ground to cover.
The good news? There’s time to regroup, get healthy, and learn from it.
The Big 12 isn’t forgiving, but it’s full of opportunity. And for UCF, the next step is about how they respond.