sports

UCF Edges Cincinnati 66-65 to Secure Big 12 Spot

The Knights rallied in the final minutes to beat arch‑rival Cincinnati 66‑65, earning an at‑large bid to the NCAA Tournament and a matchup with top‑seeded Arizona.

In a dramatic finish, UCF overcame a 12‑point deficit to win 66‑65 over Cincinnati in the Big 12 second round. Riley Kugel sparked an 8‑0 run in the last 2:06 of regulation, while Jamichael Stillwell and John Bol each added four points in overtime.

The victory secures an at‑large berth to the NCAA Tournament, where the eighth‑seeded Knights will face top‑seeded Arizona on March 12. Coach Johnny Dawkins praised the team's resilience and competitive spirit.