UCF Knights Edge Arizona State Sun Devils 79-76
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Addition Financial Arena
UCF Knights 79, Arizona State Sun Devils 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Arizona State Sun Devils vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights beat Arizona State Sun Devils 79-76 at Addition Financial Arena on January 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Arizona State Sun Devils vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the UCF Knights narrowly defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils with a final score of 79-76 at Addition Financial Arena on January 28, 2026. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with UCF improving their home record to 17-4, while Arizona State fell to 11-11 overall.
UCF entered the game with a solid home record of 16-4 and a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, including a one-game winning streak. They had been averaging 80.9 points scored while allowing 78.7 points per game during this stretch. The Knights had a strong showing in their previous match against the Colorado Buffaloes, winning 95-86, but had suffered losses against Iowa State and Arizona prior to that.
Arizona State, on the other hand, had a more challenging season with an away record of 11-10 and a recent form of 3-7 in their last ten games, though they were also on a one-game winning streak after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats 82-68. The Sun Devils averaged 78.6 points scored while allowing 86.5 points during their last ten games, indicating defensive struggles. Their previous match against West Virginia ended in a loss, but they managed to secure a win against Cincinnati, showcasing their potential to compete.
In their previous meeting on January 15, 2025, UCF had also emerged victorious against Arizona State with a score of 95-89. This history of close encounters added an intriguing layer to the matchup, as both teams were eager to assert dominance.
The game was played under conditions typical for a basketball matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. UCF's home court advantage played a significant role, as they had a home record of 5-1 in their last six games, while Arizona State struggled with a 1-4 record in away games during the same period.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their key players, which would be crucial in a game that was anticipated to be tightly contested.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had UCF favored by a spread of -6.5, with a total set at 161.5. This indicated that UCF was expected to perform well, reflecting their strong home record and recent form.
As the game unfolded, the scoring was intense, with multiple lead changes. UCF's Themus Fulks made crucial free throws late in the second half, tying the game at 72-72 before Arizona State's Santiago Trouet put the Sun Devils ahead with a driving layup. However, UCF responded with a three-point jumper from Carmelo Pacheco, regaining the lead at 75-74.
The final moments saw both teams exchanging points, but UCF managed to maintain their composure. Fulks' free throws sealed the victory for the Knights, ensuring they came out on top in this thrilling encounter. The Knights' ability to execute under pressure proved decisive, allowing them to secure the win despite the Sun Devils' valiant effort.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball but also showcased the resilience of the UCF Knights as they continue to build momentum in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCF -6.5 | 161.5 o -108 / u -112 | Arizona State Sun Devils +270 · UCF Knights -340 |
Leaders
- PointsRiley Kugel17UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks6UCF Knights
- ReboundsJohn Bol10UCF Knights
- PointsMaurice Odum18Arizona State Sun Devils
- AssistsMaurice Odum6Arizona State Sun Devils
- ReboundsMassamba Diop6Arizona State Sun Devils
Recent form
UCF Knights
Last 10: 7-3Streak W180.9 scored · 78.7 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W95-86at Colorado BuffaloesJan 24
- L57-87at Iowa State CyclonesJan 21
- L77-84vs Arizona WildcatsJan 17
- W82-73at Kansas State WildcatsJan 15
- W73-72vs Cincinnati BearcatsJan 11
- L76-87at Oklahoma State CowboysJan 7
- W81-75vs Kansas JayhawksJan 3
- W85-80vs Florida Atlantic OwlsDec 23
- W102-80vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesDec 20
- W81-63vs Mercer BearsDec 18
Arizona State Sun Devils
Last 10: 3-7Streak W178.6 scored · 86.5 allowed per game1-4 away
- W82-68vs Cincinnati BearcatsJan 25
- L63-75vs West Virginia MountaineersJan 22
- L73-103at Houston CougarsJan 18
- L82-89at Arizona WildcatsJan 15
- W87-84vs Kansas State WildcatsJan 10
- L76-104at BYU CougarsJan 8
- L89-95vs Colorado BuffaloesJan 3
- L75-78vs Oregon State BeaversDec 21
- L77-90at UCLA BruinsDec 18
- W82-79at Santa Clara BroncosDec 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Arizona State Sun Devils | UCF Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-55 | 29-65 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 32 |
| Free throws | 14-20 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 27 |
| Assists | 13 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 61 | 28 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-42Jamichael Stillwell makes driving layup (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half45-42Bryce Ford makes 27-foot three point jumper (Allen Mukeba assists)
- 2nd Half45-44Jordan Burks makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half47-44Anthony Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-47Carmelo Pacheco makes 29-foot three point jumper (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half49-47Allen Mukeba makes 3-foot dunk (Massamba Diop assists)
- 2nd Half52-47Andrija Grbović makes 27-foot three point jumper (Maurice Odum assists)
- 2nd Half52-49Riley Kugel makes layup
- 2nd Half52-51Jordan Burks makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half55-51Andrija Grbović makes 26-foot three point jumper (Noah Meeusen assists)
- 2nd Half56-51Noah Meeusen makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half57-51Noah Meeusen makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half58-51Noah Meeusen makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half61-51Maurice Odum makes 32-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-52Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-53Riley Kugel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-53Maurice Odum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-53Massamba Diop makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half64-55Jamichael Stillwell makes layup (Chris Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half65-55Anthony Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-55Anthony Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-57Jamichael Stillwell makes layup (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half66-58Jamichael Stillwell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-58Maurice Odum makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half69-58Massamba Diop makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-58Massamba Diop makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-61Chris Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half72-61Santiago Trouet makes layup (Anthony Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half72-64Riley Kugel makes 26-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half72-67Chris Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half72-69Themus Fulks makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half72-70Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Themus Fulks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Themus Fulks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Santiago Trouet makes driving layup (Maurice Odum assists)
- 2nd Half74-75Carmelo Pacheco makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordan Burks assists)
- 2nd Half75-75Maurice Odum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-75Maurice Odum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-78Jordan Burks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half76-79Themus Fulks makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UCF Knights, below favours Arizona State Sun Devils.
Venue
- Addition Financial ArenaOrlando, FL
- Attendance6621
- OfficialsKipp Kissinger, Jeffrey Anderson, Brooks Wells
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond