Senior guard Riley Kugel (2) dishes a pass during UCF’s 87-83 win over the Oakland Grizzlies at the Addition Financial Arena on Monday.
Courtesy of UCF Athletics
UCF men’s basketball pulled out an 87-83 win over the Oakland Grizzlies on Monday night inside Addition Financial Arena, a game that started out strong for the Knights but got a little shaky as the game continued.
UCF opened the game with confidence, holding Oakland scoreless for more than three minutes and collecting six defensive rebounds.
The Knights’ pressure helped them build a 10-4 lead less than six minutes into the game. Both teams picked up eight fouls before halftime, which made free throws and ball control important on both ends.
Junior guard Riley Kugel finished with 18 points and reached the 1,000-point milestone in the first half after knocking down two free throws to put UCF ahead 19-16. Kugel became the third active Knight to join the 1,000-point club.
UCF finished the half 11-for-15 from the line, while Oakland went 10-for-12.
The Knights also forced five Oakland turnovers into 13 points to take a 40-34 lead into halftime.
The Knights carried their momentum into the second half, going on a 9-0 run to extend the lead to 53-42.
Senior forward Jamichael Stillwell set the tone offensively and defensively, opening the half with four points and four rebounds on his way to a double-double.
“I was just aggressive,” Stillwell said. “These games were personal to me. Oakland knocked us Milwaukee out of the tournament last year, so I came in with an aggressive mindset.”
Despite the energy and lead, Oakland worked its way back into the game. The Grizzlies tied the game midway through the second half after capitalizing on UCF turnovers and missed shots. Oakland had four players finish in double figures, including junior forward Isaac Garrett, who scored several key baskets during the comeback stretch.
UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins said Oakland’s run came down to the defensive end.
“Well, we have to make sure it’s gonna be done on the defensive end, period,” Dawkins said. “You’re gonna have to get stops. When people are making runs, the only way you can stop them is to defend them and make them miss, and I thought we did it in timely moments at the very end of the game.”
Fifth-year guard Themus Fulks recorded his first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 assists.
Junior forward Jordan Burks finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Kugel said defensive communication played a role in closing the game out.
“It’s huge, especially in this era,” Kugel said. “If your shots aren’t falling, you’ve got to defend. Our guys did a good job talking and getting extra stops when we needed them.”
Dawkins said a close finish gives the team valuable early-season experience.
“It’s gonna help us grow,” Dawkins said. “Having our guys be in these situations this early… different styles, different systems– it’s great preparation for what we’ll see in league play.”
UCF will face Pittsburgh next in the Legends Classic at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.