sports

UCF Upsets Cincinnati, Secures NCAA Bid

UCF rallied late to defeat Cincinnati 66‑65 in the Big 12 second round, with Riley Kugel sparking an 8‑0 run, securing an at‑large bid to the NCAA tournament.

The Knights overcame a 12‑point deficit in the second half, with Riley Kugel leading an 8‑0 run in the final 2:06 of regulation. Jamichael Stillwell and John Bol each added four points in overtime as UCF edged Cincinnati 66‑65 in the Big 12 tournament’s second round in Kansas City.

The win gives UCF an at‑large berth in the NCAA tournament and a first‑round matchup against top‑seeded Arizona. Coach Johnny Dawkins praised the team’s resilience and competitive spirit.