UCF Storms Back from 12 Down to Stun Arizona State in Thriller
ORLANDO - With six minutes left on the clock and a 12-point deficit staring them in the face, UCF looked like a team on the ropes. But in front of a charged-up crowd at Addition Financial Arena, the Knights dug deep and delivered a comeback for the books, edging Arizona State 79-76 in a wild finish that showcased their grit, poise, and timely shot-making.
Head coach Johnny Dawkins summed it up best: “We found a way. We had to dig deep.” And dig they did.
This win pushes UCF to 16-4 on the year and 5-3 in Big 12 play - their best conference start since joining the league and their strongest overall mark since the 2018-19 season. For a team still proving itself in a new conference, this was more than just another W. It was a statement.
And perhaps most impressively, it marked the Knights' fourth double-digit comeback win of the season - a testament to their resilience and belief in each other when things get tight.
A Game of Runs and Resilience
The opening 10 minutes were a tug-of-war, with both teams trading buckets and momentum. Five lead changes kept the pace unpredictable, until Arizona State strung together a 13-2 run that gave them a 27-22 edge with just over five minutes left in the half.
Despite the surge, UCF stayed within striking distance. Arizona State did their damage from deep, knocking down five threes in the first half compared to just one from UCF.
But the Knights got a huge lift from John Bol, who was relentless on the boards. He pulled down nine rebounds - four on the offensive end - and went a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor in the first half, helping keep the Knights close at 39-35 heading into the break.
Second Half: Sun Devils Surge, Knights Counter
Coming out of halftime, Arizona State looked ready to run away with it. They shot a blistering 58.3% from the field and hit five of their first six attempts from beyond the arc in the second half. By the time the eight-minute media timeout rolled around, the Sun Devils had built a 12-point cushion and were in full control.
But this UCF team doesn’t fold easily.
Despite foul trouble piling up - with Riley Kugel, Jamichael Stillwell, and Devan Cambridge all picking up four fouls - the Knights didn’t back down from the physicality. They stayed aggressive, kept pushing the tempo, and waited for their moment.
That moment came with just over six minutes remaining.
Down 72-60, UCF caught fire from beyond the arc. Three straight threes in rapid succession sparked a 9-2 run in just over a minute, slicing the lead to five and forcing Arizona State to call timeout with 4:28 left. The Knights shot 6-of-12 from deep in the second half - a massive turnaround from their first-half struggles - and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
From there, it was all about execution, composure, and clutch plays. The Knights hit timely shots, locked in defensively, and capitalized on Arizona State’s missed opportunities - including some key free throws down the stretch.
A Defining Win
This was more than just a comeback. It was a defining moment in UCF’s season - a gritty, gutsy win that showed just how dangerous this team can be when the pressure’s on.
They’re now firmly in the mix in the Big 12, and with performances like this, they’re proving they belong.
Four double-digit comebacks in one season? That’s not luck. That’s a team with heart, belief, and the ability to flip a switch when it matters most.
And if you’re in the Big 12, you’ve been warned: UCF doesn’t go quietly.