The UCF Knights are gearing up for a momentous clash as they return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Slated as the No. 10 seed in the East Region, the Knights are set to face off against the No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins. This high-stakes game promises to be a thrilling encounter, taking place at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
Matchup Details:
- Teams: UCF Knights (21-11, 9-9 Big 12) vs. UCLA Bruins (23-11, 13-7 Big 10)
- Date and Time: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
- Broadcast: TBS with Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas, and Evan Washburn
- Radio: FM 96.9 / AM 740 The Game with Marc Daniels
UCF's Road to the Tournament:
The Knights have navigated a season filled with dramatic highs and lows. Now, they're ready to showcase their talents on college basketball's grandest stage.
Head Coach Johnny Dawkins is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament, marking his third appearance as a head coach. Despite the challenges, Dawkins and his team are embracing the excitement of being part of the elite field of 68.
"You can never take these opportunities for granted," Dawkins emphasized. "I'm incredibly proud of our players and everyone in our organization. It takes a tremendous amount of work to get here, and our guys have truly earned it."
What's at Stake:
A victory for UCF would propel them into the round of 32, where they would face the winner between the Connecticut Huskies and the Furman Paladins. This next matchup is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, adding another layer of anticipation for Knights fans.
As the Knights prepare to battle the Bruins, the excitement is palpable. Fans can expect a fiercely contested game, with UCF eager to make a memorable run in March Madness.