Courtesy: The UCF Men's Basketball Program

Tuesday night was fuel added to the War on I-4 fire. The Knight’s took on the Bulls in a crucial NIT match up, marking their 4th recent appearance in the tournament. Even with passionate effort, the Knights fell short to their familiar foes in a close end of 83-77. This game was the determiner on the continuation of Knight’s season. 

The stadium was filled with fronds, fans and students from both sides including those who traveled from Tampa adding to the intensity of the renewed rivalry after conference realignment. The atmosphere was tense and a chance for the Knight’s to seek redemption after their last meet up loss to the Bulls.

“Really cool game to see two teams that compete at a high level with two passionate fan bases behind them,” USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim said.

The game started off hot with UCF Ibrahima Diallo making the first points and USF Jose Placer right behind him sinking in the first 3-pointer of the game. The electrifying atmosphere was a showcase for beautiful basketball and physical play. After the first few points of the quarter, Marchelus Avery (UCF) and Corey Walker (USF) made their way down each side of the court going dunk for dunk. Despite the Knights size advantage, the clean offense and strategic defense gave the Bulls an edge to protect their rim. 

The Bulls surged ahead with a storm of 3-pointers early and took a 49-35 lead by halftime with the help of a buzzer beater from the NIT logo by USF Selton Miguel. “Seeing a team make nine 3s in the first half, they did a good job of moving the ball and sharing it, and playing off each other,” UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. “They made us pay when they got their looks.”

The second half saw increased determination, with help from the crowd. The Knights fought back to close the Bulls’ lead to 57-55 with 12 minutes, 45 seconds remaining. South Florida responded to every UCF rush, leading to amped up physicality. Players hit the hardwood and a couple of shoving matches occurred as both teams traded scores throughout the final minutes. The Knights saw Ibrahima Diallo and Darius Johnson pick up their fourth fouls, slowing down key components to the team. The game continued to be a back-and-forth battle as the Bulls held a 69-67 lead with 6:38 left on the clock.

In the end, South Florida stayed consistent with their play and took the dub. Selton Miguel led with 19 points, two rebounds and one assist. Kasean Pryor added 17 points to go along with eight rebounds. Placer had 14 points with two assists. Jayden Reid was the last of double-digit scorers with 10 points and one assist.

Jaylin Sellers carried UCF with an outstanding 24-point performance, six rebounds and two steals. Marchelus Avery contributed a heavy 19 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Darius Johnson finished the game with 14 points, four assists and four rebounds all after sitting out a chunk of the second half due to fouls. 

This heated game marked the end of an impressive and historic run for the Knights. Breaking records with wins against ranked opponents and paving a path in their first Big 12 campaign.