The UCF Knights just notched another statement win-and while the fans in Orlando might still be buzzing, head coach Johnny Dawkins is already moving on. That’s the mindset of a team chasing something bigger.
On Saturday, UCF took down No. 11 Texas Tech in a gritty, high-energy performance that pushed the Knights to 17-4 overall and 6-3 in Big 12 play.
It’s the kind of resume-building win that turns heads in February-and it’s part of a larger trend. This team isn’t just making noise; they’re building a case for one of the best seasons in program history.
But if you’re expecting Dawkins to get swept up in the moment, think again.
“We don’t have much time to celebrate this game, that’s for sure,” Dawkins said afterward. “By the end of the day, this has to be past us. You have to be willing to go to the next play in this game.”
That’s the Big 12 for you-no nights off, no breathers. Every matchup is a battle against a well-coached, talent-loaded opponent. And Dawkins knows that the only way to survive in this league is to stay locked in, one possession at a time.
Still, there’s no ignoring what UCF just pulled off. Beating Texas Tech is impressive on its own, but it’s even more significant when you consider it joins a growing list of marquee wins for the Knights this season-highlighted by their home victory over Kansas, one of college basketball’s blue bloods.
Now, with each win, the Knights inch closer to something that once felt like a longshot: an at-large NCAA Tournament berth. A 20-win season would likely seal the deal, and UCF is knocking on that door.
What’s made this run so compelling isn’t just the wins-it’s how they’re getting them. Dawkins has his team playing with a mix of toughness and resilience that travels well in March.
“We always say, we have to find a way,” he said. “Whether you’re making shots or not, no matter how the game is going, you still have to find a way to compete and give yourself a chance to win. That’s all you can ask for.”
It’s a mindset that’s clearly taken root in the locker room. This team doesn’t flinch.
They don’t fold when shots aren’t falling. They grind.
And more often than not, they come out on top.
Dawkins also made a point to shout out the UCF fan base-especially the students, who have brought the energy all season long. In a school where football has traditionally grabbed the spotlight, basketball is carving out its own moment.
“I’m just proud of our guys and the effort they gave in this conference,” Dawkins said. “We’re just trying to compete every night at the highest level.
I’m proud because we were able to do it in front of our fans and our community. It’s important that we all rally behind our teams.”
If they keep this up, the rallying is only going to get louder. The Knights aren’t just chasing wins-they’re chasing history. And they’re doing it with a head coach who’s keeping their feet firmly on the ground, even as their ceiling continues to rise.