UCF’s Offense Ignites in Big 12 Road Win, with Kugel and Fulks Leading the Charge
UCF came out firing and didn’t let up, riding a red-hot first half to secure a critical Big 12 road win. The Knights shot a blistering 52% from the field and an even sharper 47% from beyond the arc-well above their season averages-and used that offensive rhythm to build a commanding 42-28 halftime lead.
It wasn’t just a good start. It was a statement.
Head coach Johnny Dawkins has been preaching the importance of fast starts, and his team finally delivered on that message. The spark?
Riley Kugel. The 6-foot-5 guard wasted no time asserting himself, and his early scoring outburst set the tone for the rest of the night.
“Riley really got going early,” Dawkins said postgame. “We fed off that.
He set the tone offensively, and once we got into transition, everything started clicking. Our defense turned into offense, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
Kugel finished with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, but his impact went beyond the box score. During a crucial 14-2 run early in the first half, he repeatedly used his defender’s momentum against him-pulling back his dribble, creating separation, and knocking down midrange jumpers with confidence. It was a veteran-like performance from a player who’s quickly becoming one of UCF’s go-to scorers.
But Kugel wasn’t the only Knight making noise. Senior guard Themus Fulks played with poise and purpose, finishing with 13 points and a season-high 12 assists. His court vision and decision-making were key, especially late in the game when UCF had to fend off a push from the home team.
“He played like a senior,” Dawkins said. “That’s what you want in these moments.
He and Riley both stepped up when we needed them most. It was a tight game late-one or two possessions-and they made play after play to help us hold onto that lead.”
Fulks’ ability to control the tempo and find the right spots in the defense gave UCF a steady hand in crunch time. Whether it was delivering a perfectly timed pass or knocking down a clutch bucket himself, he made sure the Knights stayed in control.
This win marks UCF’s first conference road victory of the season and a much-needed bounce-back after a recent loss to Oklahoma State. More importantly, it showed flashes of the team that started the year strong-balanced, aggressive, and confident on both ends of the floor.
If Kugel and Fulks continue to lead with this kind of composure and firepower, UCF could be a tough out in the Big 12.