The three-point shot seemed like the reason UCF was on its way to a loss against Arizona State, but the Knights could not miss to end the game in their slim 79-76 victory over the Sun Devils. UCF made just 2 of its first 17 three-point attempts, but nailed all of its final five attempts down in the last six minutes to erase a 12-point deficit late and come away with the win.
Forward Jordan Burks hit the last three of the game, which would turn out to be the game-winning bucket. With the Knights trailing by one, Burks swished his left-wing three-pointer to put the Knights up two with about 30 seconds remaining.
Arizona State seemed to contrast UCF’s offense, as their offense was hot early but could not keep the flame alive to end the game. After securing a 72-61 lead with five and a half minutes remaining, the Sun Devils made just one field goal the rest of the way.
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For the second straight game, the Knights were without backup center Jermey Foumena and only played three players off the bench. UCF was forced to turn to those bench players as both Riley Kugel and Jamichael Stillwell were in foul trouble, finishing the game with four fouls each.
Both Burks and Stillwell emphasized that part of the Knights’ identity is to “hunt” rebounds, and that stayed true throughout. UCF out-rebounded Arizona State 40-28 in this one and remains undefeated at 15-0 this season when grabbing more boards than its opponent.
The Knights will stay in Orlando as they prepare for their next game at home against #11-ranked Texas Tech on Saturday at noon. The Red Raiders have lost just one game in conference play, giving the Knights a challenge to look forward to.
