The Knights are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years
FILE – March Madness branding is displayed a Wilson EVO NXT basketball before a first-round college basketball game between Kent State and Notre Dame in the women’s NCAA Tournament Saturday March 23, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. The NCAA has presented a plan to Division I conference commissioners that would expand the lucrative men’s and women’s basketball tournaments by four or eight teams alongside an option to leave each field at 68 teams, according to a person familiar with the details. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File) (Michael Caterina, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
ORLANDO, Fla – It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes, UCF! The Knights are heading back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2019. Head coach Johnny Dawkins’ team is the 10 seed in the East region and will play 7 seed UCLA in a first round matchup in Philadelphia, Pa.
UCF, which finished tied for seventh in the Big 12’s regular season standings, boasts a 21-11 overall record going into the Big Dance. The Knights struggled a bit down the stretch, losing their final three regular season games before rebounding with a critical win over Cincinnati in the second round of the conference tournament. UCF’s stay in the Big 12 tournament ended the next day with an 81-59 loss to top seed Arizona in the quarterfinals. UCF matched a program record with three wins versus ranked opponents this season.
The Knights’ roster features four players who are averaging at least 11 points per game, and is led by Orlando native Riley Kugel, who is averaging about 15 points per contest.
Stay tuned to News 6 for complete coverage of the Knights’ NCAA tournament run.
Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorRyan Welch headshotRyan Welch
Ryan Welch joined the News 6 Team as a sports anchor and reporter in July 2017. After nearly 15 years in the industry, Ryan gladly brings his passion for sports to Central Florida.
‘God was on his side’: South Daytona officer in stable condition after being shot during pursuit
â–¶ 0:09
‘God was on his side’: South Daytona officer in stable condition after being shot during pursuit‘Troubling’ video surfaces of Daytona Beach officer during arrest, mayor says
â–¶ 2:08
‘Troubling’ video surfaces of Daytona Beach officer during arrest, mayor saysOrlando City SC talks about coaching change
â–¶ 1:17
Orlando City SC talks about coaching changeNASA announces April launch date for Artemis II
â–¶ 0:52
NASA announces April launch date for Artemis IIFlorida woman accused of letting newborn drown in toilet get bond
â–¶ 0:55
Florida woman accused of letting newborn drown in toilet get bondWhy the Strait of Hormuz matters to gas prices
â–¶ 1:25
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to gas pricesPulse Orlando sign removed as city prepares for club’s demolition
â–¶ 1:17
Pulse Orlando sign removed as city prepares for club’s demolitionMurder plot sought to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter at Lake Brantley High School, records show
â–¶ 0:45
Murder plot sought to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter at Lake Brantley High School, records showHidden camera videos show casinos allegedly tied to suspended sheriff Marcos Lopez
â–¶ 0:35
Hidden camera videos show casinos allegedly tied to suspended sheriff Marcos Lopez 3 Apps To Save Money At The Pump
â–¶ 1:00
3 Apps To Save Money At The PumpThief steals thousands from Volusia veteran group’s bank account
â–¶ 0:35
Thief steals thousands from Volusia veteran group’s bank account’We have a mental health crisis’
â–¶ 1:46
‘We have a mental health crisis’Septic-to-sewer conversion could cost Port St. John homeowners up to $100K
â–¶ 1:01
Septic-to-sewer conversion could cost Port St. John homeowners up to $100KLuxury cars, watches in Dubai: Judge freezes Ponzi scheme defendant’s assets
â–¶ 1:07
Luxury cars, watches in Dubai: Judge freezes Ponzi scheme defendant’s assets‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands
â–¶ 0:49
‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands’Blatantly Honest’ Foundation hosts charity golf tournement for mental health
â–¶ 0:40
‘Blatantly Honest’ Foundation hosts charity golf tournement for mental healthRaces to watch in Orange County
â–¶ 2:17
Races to watch in Orange CountyToucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa
â–¶ 0:40
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spaFlorida House approves new license plate bill. Here’s what happens next
â–¶ 0:55
Florida House approves new license plate bill. Here’s what happens nextToucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa
â–¶ 1:57
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spaBLOCKBUSTER STORE IN ORLANDO
â–¶ 0:52
BLOCKBUSTER STORE IN ORLANDOOrange County commissioners decide against infrastructure tax on November ballot
â–¶ 1:20
Orange County commissioners decide against infrastructure tax on November ballotDunnellon opts to not move ahead with injunction against CSX after rail tie fire
â–¶ 0:58
Dunnellon opts to not move ahead with injunction against CSX after rail tie fireHandmade Rum Cakes in Orlando
â–¶ 1:24
Handmade Rum Cakes in OrlandoEGG ROLL LOVE at the Central Florida Fair
â–¶ 1:07
EGG ROLL LOVE at the Central Florida Fair Previous photoNext photo