UCF Stuns No. 11 Texas Tech, Bolsters NCAA Tournament Resume with Signature Win
In a game that could end up defining their season, UCF delivered a statement win on their home floor, knocking off No. 11 Texas Tech, 88-80.
This wasn’t just an upset-it was a performance that felt like a turning point. For Johnny Dawkins and the Knights, it’s the kind of result that doesn’t just show up on a resume-it anchors it.
The game itself was a back-and-forth battle, but every time Texas Tech looked ready to seize momentum, UCF had an answer. Whether it was a clutch bucket, a key defensive stop, or simply weathering the storm with poise, the Knights never let the Red Raiders get too close for comfort. That composure, especially against a top-15 opponent, speaks volumes about this team’s maturity-and their potential ceiling.
Balanced Scoring, Big-Time Execution
What stood out most wasn’t just the win-it was how UCF got there. This wasn’t a one-man show.
The Knights leaned on a balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Jordan Burks, Jamichael Stillwell, John Bol, and Themus Fulks combined for 62 of the team’s 88 points, each stepping up in key moments to keep the pressure on Texas Tech.
That kind of offensive depth is what separates good teams from tournament teams. When you’ve got multiple players who can create, finish, and make plays under pressure, you become harder to scout-and harder to stop. UCF showed that in spades.
A Resume That’s Getting Harder to Ignore
Let’s talk about the big picture. UCF now sits at 17-4 overall, with a 6-3 mark in Big 12 play.
That alone is impressive, but when you dig into the quality of their wins and losses, things look even better. Their defeats have come against top-tier opponents-No.
1 Arizona, No. 8 Iowa State, and Oklahoma State on the road.
In other words, no bad losses. That matters in March.
They’ve also secured three Quad 1 wins, going 3-4 in those matchups, and crucially, they haven’t dropped a single game in Quad 2, 3, or 4 play. That’s the kind of clean profile that selection committees love. And with a NET ranking of No. 42, they’re firmly in the conversation.
UCF was ranked No. 25 earlier this season, and there’s every reason to believe they’ll be back in the polls come Monday. More importantly, they’re building a case that goes beyond rankings-they’re looking like a team nobody will want to see in their region come tournament time.
Dawkins’ Efficient Build Paying Off
Johnny Dawkins deserves a ton of credit for how this team has come together. According to reports, the roster was assembled for around $3 million-remarkably efficient in an era where some programs are spending three or four times that and still struggling to stay above .500. In a Big 12 loaded with deep-pocketed programs, UCF is proving that smart recruiting and strong player development can still win big.
While other schools have shelled out big money only to fall short of expectations, Dawkins has built a cohesive, competitive group that’s not just surviving in the Big 12-they’re thriving.
Looking Ahead
With this win in their pocket, the Knights are gaining steam at just the right time. The Big 12 grind doesn’t let up, but UCF has shown they can hang with-and beat-some of the best teams in the country. If they keep this up, they won’t just be dancing in March-they might be making some serious noise once they get there.
The bandwagon’s getting crowded, and for good reason. UCF isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. They’re here, they’re legit, and they’re playing like a team that believes it belongs on the big stage.