UCF Upsets Cincinnati, Secures Big 12 Spot

UCF pulled off a dramatic 66-65 win over Cincinnati in the Big 12 tournament’s second round, with an 8‑0 run sparked by Riley Kugel and key contributions from Jamichael Stillwell and John Bol. The Knights, 21‑10 and seeded eighth, now face top‑seeded Arizona and have secured an at‑large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Knights trailed by 12 early, held Cincinnati to 33.8% shooting, and dominated second chances (17‑3) and the paint (38‑10). Coach Johnny Dawkins praised the team’s resilience, and ESPN’s Joe Lunardi listed UCF among the last four at‑large teams. The win improves UCF’s neutral‑site record to 5‑7 and places them 46th in the NET, while Cincinnati (18‑15) was among the first four teams to miss the tournament.