UCF basketball players in order left to right; Djordjije Mumin, Matt Williams, A.J. Davis and B.J. Taylor celebrate on top of a table in front a sold out crowd. UCF won 68-58 against Illinois. (Aileen Perilla/ KnightNews)

ORLANDO, Fla. – UCF has advanced to the next round of the NIT, blazing their way to New York with a full-throttle 68-58 victory over Illinois.

The Knights took the lead early on, but let the game close to just a six point lead with just over two minutes left to play; it was a dramatic end to an outstanding performance in front of the first sellout crowd at CFE Arena for UCF Basketball.

Matt Williams and AJ Davis were relentless, combining for 32. BJ Taylor led the attack with 17, while Tacko Fall made his presence felt with 3 blocks and 10 rebounds.

UCF center Tacko Fall blocks an attempt made by Illinois forward Leron Black. Fall helped the Knights secure a win with 3 blocks and 10 rebounds. UCF won 68-58 against Illinois.

Wednesday’s win sets UCF up for a Tuesday night semi-final against TCU at Madison Square Garden.

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