Written by Delaney Coleman.
#25 UCF (13-2) won an incredibly tight game against the Cincinnati Bearcats (8-8), with the final score being 73-72. The Knights improve to 2-1 in conference play.
As the game began, the offensive skills of both teams were being tested. Jordan Burks got the ball rolling with the first three-pointer made by UCF at the 15-minute mark.
UCF, already in a deficit, would quickly turn it around, tying the game with 13 minutes left in the half. They would then take the lead, showing determination to avenge their broken 11-game win streak.
Quick and tricky ball handling was shown by Cincinnati all throughout the first half, which was later attempted by UCF, resulting in a 33-32 lead at the end of the first half.
After halftime, Cincinnati’s offensive approach was pairing up to UCF’s zone as the Knights started the second half with sloppy footwork when on defense. They would make up for it in rebounds and offensive grit. In the first 5 minutes, UCF had a 10-point lead.
At the 10-minute mark in the second half, UCF would lose the lead after some sloppy mistakes. The Bearcats would make the score 52-51, keeping it a close game.
Themus Fulks would prove himself a key figure on the court for the Knights, taking control of the team on both offense and defense. With four minutes remaining, Jamichael Stillwell would sink a crucial basket, which was assisted by Fulks.
Addition Financial Arena really came alive for their home team tonight. Johnny Dawkins continued to look towards the crowd for support as the opposing team had the ball in the last minutes of play.
With not a lot of time left, UCF was looking for a hero to win the game, and with 11 seconds remaining, Fulks would sink what would be the game-winning basket. The final score was 73-72.
The 25th-ranked Knights will now venture to Manhattan, Kansas, on Wednesday, January 14th, to face off against the Kansas State Wildcats, with the hopes of building a new streak.
