UCF didn’t just rally-they responded with poise, grit, and timely execution to knock off Florida Atlantic in a statement 85-80 win that showcased both their resilience and their growing chemistry.
Early on, though, it looked like FAU might run away with it. The Owls came out firing, burying three triples in the opening five minutes and riding that hot perimeter shooting to fuel a 9-0 run. That early burst had UCF playing catch-up for much of the first half, as the Knights struggled to find rhythm offensively and endured multiple scoring droughts.
But even in those dry spells, UCF found sparks. Jamichael Stillwell and Themus Fulks stepped up with key buckets to keep things from slipping too far out of reach.
Then came a crucial 7-0 run late in the half, capped by a thunderous Jordan Burks dunk that brought the Knights within two. FAU hit a buzzer-beater three to take a 38-33 lead into the break, but the momentum was beginning to shift.
And it didn’t take long for UCF to seize it.
Just over 90 seconds into the second half, Burks threw down another dunk-this one giving UCF its first lead of the night. Moments later, Riley Kugel connected from deep to stretch the lead heading into the under-16 timeout. From there, the Knights started to control the tempo, and Fulks took over.
The senior guard was electric down the stretch. He orchestrated the offense with confidence and delivered the game’s biggest sequence with 6:28 to play: a strong drive, the finish through contact, and the and-one that pushed UCF’s lead to eight-their largest of the night.
Florida Atlantic wasn’t done, though. The Owls clawed their way back into it, trimming the deficit to just one with under two minutes remaining. But in crunch time, UCF executed like a veteran squad.
Kugel calmly sank two free throws with 29 seconds left, then turned a quick FAU turnover into a layup on the other end. Burks followed with two more from the stripe to ice it. In the final minutes, UCF hit five of their last seven shots-a clutch closeout that sealed the deal.
Fulks was the engine all night, finishing with a monster double-double: 24 points and 12 assists. Kugel added 18 points and tied his career high with six steals, constantly disrupting FAU’s rhythm on both ends. Stillwell chipped in 15 points, Burks brought energy and scoring with 14, and John Bol had a breakout performance-his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-best 11 rebounds.
This was more than just a win-it was a showcase of UCF’s depth, toughness, and ability to finish. If they keep playing with this kind of balance and resolve, they're going to be a tough out for anyone.