The UCF Knights are making waves, and it's not just about tallying up wins. With an 8-6 record in the Big 12, they're inching closer to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2019. ESPN's Joe Lunardi has them safely projected in the field, and for good reason.
In the Big 12, every game is a battle, whether you're facing the top team or the one at the bottom. So, when UCF edged out a two-point victory against the Utah Utes, some eyebrows were raised.
Utah, tied for last in the conference, was expected to be an easier opponent. But that's not how this league operates.
UCF was only a 1.5-point favorite, and Utah's point differential in conference play stands at just minus-8. Winning on the road is tough, and the Knights proved their mettle in a hostile environment.
The Big 12: A Test of Grit
The Big 12 is widely regarded as the toughest conference in the nation this year, and surprises are part of the package. Just look at the Cincinnati Bearcats, who pulled off a stunning 16-point victory over the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse after barely scraping by Utah at home.
Most games in this conference are nail-biters, characterized by physicality and high emotions, often decided in the closing moments. The nickname "Cardiac Knights" has been tossed around, but that doesn't quite capture this team.
This squad is better defined as the "Gritty Knights."
Embracing Grit
Grit isn't just about enduring chaos; it's about how you respond to it. Take the Utah game, for example.
When Jamichael Stillwell slipped defensively, allowing a Utah three-pointer, it could have unraveled a less cohesive team. We've all seen it before-teams falling apart, players pointing fingers.
But not this group. They acknowledged the mistake and moved forward.
No drama, no emotional breakdowns. Just a focus on the next play.
This is maturity. This is growth. This is the mindset of a tournament-ready team.
In previous seasons, UCF might have faltered in similar situations. This year, they respond with poise and unity, refusing to crumble under pressure.
Rising to the Occasion
In a recent article, I highlighted the importance of players stepping up. Against Utah, it was Chris Johnson who rose to the occasion.
With Riley Kugel sidelined due to injury, Johnson seized the moment. He nailed a crucial three-pointer when the team needed it most. Then came a pivotal play that might go unnoticed: a wrap-around pass to Jordan Burks, who hit a critical three, keeping UCF's hopes alive.
The confidence to make that pass under pressure is immense. One wrong move, and the game could have swung in Utah's favor.
Johnson didn't flinch. He knows his capabilities and carries himself with that assurance. When the stakes were high, he didn't retreat-he delivered.
That's grit in action.
Building a Tournament Identity
To the Knights: You're proving you're a tournament-caliber team. You're showing everyone you belong.
Tournament teams don't just win when it's easy. They prevail when it's tough, when they're tested, when things go awry and they must adapt on the fly.
The UCF Knights are mastering this art in real time.
Call them what you will, but to me, they're the Gritty Knights. In the Big 12, where every game is a grind and every possession counts, grit is what will carry them into March.