UCF rallies past FAU, 85–80, to close non-conference play at 11–1
UCF closed out non-conference play in emphatic fashion Tuesday afternoon, rallying from a 14-point deficit to defeat Florida Atlantic, 85-80, in a neutral-site matchup at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports.
The win pushes UCF to 11-1 on the season and extends the Knights’ winning streak to 10 games, marking the longest run of Johnny Dawkins’ tenure. It also capped a non-conference slate that now stands as the best start of Dawkins’ time in Orlando.
Themus Fulks delivered one of his most complete performances in a UCF uniform, finishing with 24 points and 12 assists while orchestrating the late-game execution that ultimately separated the Knights. Riley Kugel added 18 points, while Jamichael Stillwell scored 15 and Jordan Burks chipped in 14. Sophomore center John Bol turned in a breakthrough effort, posting his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.
“Well those was a hard-fought win,” Dawkins told Marc Daniels in his postgame radio interview. “I didn’t think it was going to be any other way. I know their program, I know their coaching and their style of play and they have a lot of talent, a lot of skilled players and we had to dig deep again and make plays, especially in the second half. So I was really proud of our guys.”
A slow start, then a furious rally
Florida Atlantic (8-5) controlled much of the first half, using a 17-5 run to seize momentum and build its largest lead at 30-16 with 6:17 remaining before halftime. The Owls leaned heavily on perimeter shooting early, knocking down seven first-half three-pointers as Xander Pintelon and Kanaan Carlyle helped FAU carry a 38-33 advantage into the break.
“One, we had to make some adjustments,” Dawkins said. “The way we were defending them early, they got off to a quick start with shooting some threes with their big guys. They have a lot of bigs that can really stretch the floor and our defensive scheme to start the game allowed for some of those shots to be taken.
“They were a lot more aggressive than they had been in the past and so we had to adjust to that.”
UCF struggled offensively early, making just six of its first 19 field-goal attempts before finding rhythm late in the half. The Knights closed the opening period with a brief surge to trim the deficit, but a late three allowed FAU to maintain control heading into intermission.
At halftime, Dawkins’ message centered on defense, rebounding and urgency.
“Well, we talked about at halftime that we have to turn it up defensively,” he said. “We have to do a better job on the boards and so really just concentrate on just energy on the basketball. How much pressure are we putting on the ball? Are we in the right places defensively?
“Then we talked about making sure we don’t give them second and third shot attempts because they had one young man come in the game, the kid Maxim Logue. He came in the game, got three straight offensive rebounds and really affected the game during the stretch where they made a big run.”
The response was immediate. UCF opened the second half on an 11-0 run, flipping the game’s momentum and eventually taking its first lead of the afternoon. The Knights shot 52 percent from the field after halftime and limited FAU to just 2-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc in the final 20 minutes.
Fulks and Kugel lead the charge late
Still, the Owls refused to fade. Isaiah Elohim’s basket in the paint pulled FAU within one at 77-76 with 1:42 remaining, setting the stage for Fulks to take control.
With 1:35 to play, Dawkins called Fulks’ number.
“Well, we called his number and so when we call someone’s number, we just want them to make a good basketball play,” Dawkins said. “We got him downhill. I didn’t think he was going to take the shot over the seven-footer, but the young man has a lot of confidence in what he can do on the floor.
“He really believes in himself and he made a great play.”
Fulks finished through contact over FAU’s size, then UCF capitalized defensively on the ensuing possession.
“He came back defensively, Riley anticipated,” Dawkins said. “We talk about anticipation all the time with several of our guys. He was anticipating, he got the steal and that kind of gave us an opportunity to kind of settle in.”
Kugel converted at the free-throw line before throwing down a dunk in the final seconds to seal it, pushing the lead to seven and silencing FAU’s last push.
Dawkins also highlighted Fulks’ ability to pressure defenses with his dominant left hand.
“It really helps him because his ability to drive that ball either way,” Dawkins said. “He really likes going to the left, as you can see, to make plays. I was a lefty, so I’m partial to guys that like to go left. I think they’re harder to defend and he’s real shifty and crafty with that basketball.”
Kugel’s perseverance stood out as well, particularly after a frustrating stretch of games.
“He really did need a game like this,” Dawkins said. “Sometimes you can get out of rhythm. He had been playing at such a lights out level. It’s hard to stay at shooting 60 percent from the field and 70 percent from three. You have to be able to fight through moments like this adversity that all great players have to fight through.”
Bol’s Breakout
Bol’s growth in the frontcourt continues to be encouraging.
“Oh, John was terrific,” Dawkins said. “11 (points) and 11 (rebounds). He was active on the boards. I really liked his hustle. He kept balls alive for us. He defended our rim a lot. You see him getting better. He’s growing.”
Up next: Big 12 play
With non-conference play complete, UCF now turns its attention to Big 12 competition, opening league play Jan. 3 at home against No. 17 Kansas.
“I want our guys to go and enjoy the holidays right now with their family,” Dawkins said. “That’s the most important thing, keeping things in perspective. When they come back, we’ll start to ratchet up and prepare ourselves for Big 12 play.
“I’m confident that our guys can compete. I like our guys’ fight. I like the ability to dig deep, and when you can do those things, you have a chance on most nights to win games.”
