For the first time since joining the Big 12, UCF is riding a true conference hot streak-and they’ve made it clear they’re not just here to participate. The Knights secured their third straight Big 12 win on Saturday, knocking off No. 11 Texas Tech in an 88-80 statement victory that showcased grit, depth, and a whole lot of toughness in the paint.
This wasn’t just another win-it was a signature moment for Johnny Dawkins’ squad. UCF improved to 17-4 overall and 6-3 in Big 12 play, and they’ve now defended their home court 12 times this season, dropping only two at Addition Financial Arena. Against a Red Raiders team that came in with national respect and momentum, UCF didn’t flinch.
Point guard Themus Fulks was the engine of the offense, pouring in 21 points while dishing out seven assists and grabbing three rebounds. He controlled the tempo and made big plays when the Knights needed them most. But the real difference came inside, where UCF flat-out dominated.
Jamichael Stillwell and John Bol both posted double-doubles, combining for 24 points and 20 boards. Bol, in particular, had a gutsy performance-after going down with a lower body injury late in the first half, he returned after halftime and finished strong, logging his second double-double of the season. Jordan Burks added 17 points, including a perfect first half from the field and the free-throw line, giving UCF another steady scoring presence.
On the other side, Texas Tech’s JT Toppin reminded everyone why he’s the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, dropping 27 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. But even with Toppin’s big night, the Red Raiders couldn’t overcome UCF’s physicality and execution.
The Knights owned the glass, outrebounding Texas Tech 35-23 and limiting the Red Raiders to just four offensive boards all game. That physical edge translated to 21 second-chance points and a whopping 48 points in the paint-numbers that tell the story of a team imposing its will.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, but UCF held a narrow lead for most of it. Burks led the way early with 11 points on flawless shooting, while Bol chipped in eight points and seven rebounds before his brief exit. The Knights went into the break up 44-40-marking the first time all season Texas Tech trailed an unranked opponent at halftime.
In the second half, UCF’s composure shined. The Knights never relinquished the lead, even as Texas Tech closed the gap multiple times.
With under two minutes left and clinging to a two-point advantage, UCF ripped off a 7-0 run that sealed the deal. A late foul gave TTU a free throw in the final second, but the outcome was already decided.
As the final buzzer sounded, the UCF student section stormed the court in celebration-understandably so. This was UCF’s second win over a ranked opponent this season, and it came with all the hallmarks of a team finding its identity at the right time.
But the road doesn’t get any smoother from here. Next up: a trip to Southeast Texas to face No.
10 Houston on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
ET on FS1. The Knights have momentum, confidence, and a growing résumé-but they’ll need all of it to keep climbing in the Big 12.