UCF showcased its potential as a Big 12 contender with a thrilling win over Arizona State, setting the stage for a showdown with Houston.
The Knights, now 12-4 overall and 3-2 in the conference, are gearing up for a tough match against No. 10 Houston. Coach Johnny Dawkins praised his team’s competitive spirit, saying they really know how to fight.
Even though they lost to Arizona, there were some bright spots. They out-rebounded the Wildcats and had a season-high in offensive rebounds, which led to a bunch of second-chance points. Arizona’s coach even admitted they got dominated on the boards.
Hall, a 6-foot-7 transfer, was relentless on offense, scoring 29 of the Knights’ first 41 points. He shot an impressive 13 of 18 from the field and made all his free throws. Dawkins called him a “three-level scorer” and said it was unforgettable to witness his performance.
After the game, Hall was all smiles, thankful for the chance to play and stay healthy. He mentioned that the team is still growing but is coming together nicely.
Darius Johnson, another key player, said the trip helped the team bond. They learned to stay composed, especially after a tough loss to Arizona. Now, they’re focused on the next game against Houston, who is riding a nine-game winning streak.
UCF relied on Johnson’s leadership in the final minutes against Arizona State. He made crucial plays that helped secure the win. The Knights had a solid shooting night, breaking out of a mini slump.
J.J. Taylor also stepped up, contributing with season highs in points and rebounds. However, they missed 7-foot-2 freshman Moustapha Thiam, who was out with an illness. His status for the upcoming game against Houston is still uncertain.
Next up, UCF will face Houston at noon on Saturday at Addition Financial Arena, and it’s sure to be an exciting matchup!
