KU and OSU matchups are two critical early games
With an 85-80 win over FAU, nonconference games are done for the UCF Knights ahead of the team’s first Big 12 Conference game on Jan. 3. Through 12 games, UCF has an 11-1 overall record. This is the best start in the Johnny Dawkins era at UCF.
A good start will be important to get in early contention in Big 12 play. However, UCF will face two tough challenges to begin conference play, and the team must not fall behind.
UCF’s first two Big 12 games:
Jan. 3 vs Kansas Jayhawks, 2 p.m. ET
To nobody’s surprise, Kansas is at it again this season under head coach Bill Self. Whenever Self is on the sidelines, KU will always be a tough team to beat. Even with a 10-3 record so far this season, the Jayhawks are ranked in the top 25 ahead of the Knights. Some may say having two more losses and being ranked may be disrespectful, but this is where the Knights need to have a win to start conference play against a ranked team.
There will be motivation to take down a top 25 team on their home court, especially after last season’s horrific game for UCF when they hosted KU. Last season, UCF won its Big 12 opener on the road against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and then was ready to host Kansas at home for an afternoon game.
KU ruined all the hype when they blew out UCF 99-48 in Orlando. UCF will be eager to avenge the awful home loss from last year and give its fans an upset win against Kansas in Orlando, as the team did back in 2024.
Jan. 6 @ Oklahoma State Cowboys, 2 p.m. ET
Under second-year head coach Steve Lutz, Oklahoma State is a team that has caught many by surprise. While the Cowboys have an 11-1 record like the Knights, the team will play one more nonconference game on Dec. 29 before Big 12 play begins for them. Both the Cowboys and Knights have been a major surprise in the Big 12, and that is where the second Big 12 game has an impact.
Based on current records, both UCF and OSU could have the chance of fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The winner could gain some momentum and confidence early into conference play.
The game against OSU also offers something for UCF that it has struggled with for years: playing on the road. Winning the first Big 12 road game in an old and historic building like Gallagher-Iba Arena can give a team confidence.
The good thing for UCF is that since the university joined the Big 12, they have fared well against OSU. UCF has won three of the four meetings against OSU, and one of them was in the 2024 Big 12 Championship.
With having 11 wins already, there’s reason to be optimistic for UCF in Big 12 play this winter. UCF’s depth with Jordan Burks, Riley Kugel, Themus Fulks and Jamichael Stillwell has been solid this season. Now, the important games await UCF, starting against KU.
Category: General Sports
