UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins and his squad walked into Boulder on Saturday and came away with a gritty, much-needed road win. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was the kind of performance that shows a team learning how to win on the road in a tough environment. After the game, Dawkins broke down some of the key moments and strategic decisions that helped the Knights come out on top-and there was plenty to unpack.
Switching to a 1-3-1 Zone: A Momentum Shifter
Midway through the first half, UCF found itself struggling to contain Colorado’s offense, particularly Bangot Dak, who was having his way early and already had 18 points before halftime. That’s when Dawkins made a chess move-switching to a 1-3-1 zone. It wasn’t a predetermined adjustment, but more of a feel-for-the-moment decision.
“You just try something different and see what happens,” Dawkins said. “Dak was terrific in the first half, and we had to find a way to slow him down.”
The switch wasn’t just about stopping one player-it was about disrupting rhythm. Colorado had been executing well in their offensive sets, but the zone threw off their timing, forcing them to recalibrate. It didn’t completely shut things down, but it was enough to tilt the momentum and give UCF a foothold in the game.
The Return of Jamichael Stillwell: Leadership Matters
Getting Jamichael Stillwell back in the lineup was a quiet but crucial development. He wasn’t a lock to play-he’d practiced but wasn’t 100%-and there were concerns he could regress. But once it was clear he felt good enough to go, Dawkins didn’t hesitate.
“He’s our leader. He’s the heart and soul of this team,” Dawkins said.
Stillwell’s presence goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s one of those players who sets the tone-emotionally, defensively, vocally.
Alongside veterans like Themus Fulks, Devan Cambridge, and Riley Kugel, Stillwell helps anchor the team’s identity. His return gave UCF a lift when they needed it most.
Three-Point Shooting and Resilience in the First Half
UCF didn’t exactly come out firing on all cylinders, but their resilience showed up again. This is a team that’s been in the trenches before-down early, needing to claw back. That experience paid off.
“They kept fighting, kept chipping away,” Dawkins said. “That’s all you can ask for.”
By halftime, the Knights had not only weathered the storm-they had taken a two-point lead. It was a testament to their ability to stay composed and knock down timely shots, especially from deep, to swing the momentum.
Managing Foul Trouble: Trusting the Veterans
The second half brought a different kind of challenge-foul trouble. Multiple UCF players picked up their third fouls early, forcing Dawkins into a delicate balancing act. But instead of panicking, he leaned on his veterans.
“I had to trust that they’d have the discipline to stay out of foul trouble,” he said.
That trust paid off. Dawkins managed his rotations carefully, pulling players out at key moments to avoid risky situations and give them rest. It wasn’t just smart coaching-it was a vote of confidence in his seniors to play smart basketball under pressure.
Riley Kugel Steps Up Late
When the game tightened down the stretch, Riley Kugel stepped into the spotlight. The sophomore guard has been a steady presence all season, and once again, he delivered.
“I thought he was terrific,” Dawkins said. “He and Themus really steadied us.”
With Colorado pushing hard and the crowd getting into it, Kugel and Fulks calmed things down, made smart plays, and hit big shots. When your backcourt can control tempo and make good decisions late, you’re in good shape. That’s exactly what UCF got.
Slowing Down Colorado’s Young Stars
One of the more impressive aspects of the win was how UCF handled Colorado’s talented freshmen, especially Isaiah Johnson. Dawkins had high praise for the young guard, who’s been turning heads in Big 12 play.
“He plays with poise. Nothing rattles him,” Dawkins said. “He looks like a senior out there.”
That kind of maturity in a freshman is rare, especially in a league as deep and physical as the Big 12. Dawkins also credited Colorado’s team chemistry-how the upperclassmen have embraced Johnson’s emergence instead of resisting it. That kind of cohesion is what makes a good team dangerous in March.
Final Takeaway
This was a statement win for UCF-not just because of the result, but because of how they got there. They adjusted on the fly, leaned on their leadership, and executed down the stretch. It’s the kind of performance that can galvanize a team heading into the heart of conference play.
And for Johnny Dawkins, it was another reminder that coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s-it’s about feel, trust, and knowing when to push the right buttons. Saturday in Boulder, he pushed all the right ones.