Arizona Wildcats Defeat UCF Knights 84-77 in Close Contest
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Addition Financial Arena
Arizona Wildcats 84, UCF Knights 77, 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 Wildcats vs UCF Knights?
Arizona Wildcats beat UCF Knights 84-77 at Addition Financial Arena on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Arizona Wildcats vs UCF Knights?
Arizona Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Arizona Wildcats secured an 84-77 victory over the UCF Knights at Addition Financial Arena on January 17, 2026. This game showcased the Wildcats' impressive season, maintaining their undefeated record at 18-0, while the Knights fell to 14-4. Arizona's performance continues to highlight their dominance in the NCAAB landscape, particularly given their recent form and scoring capabilities.
The Wildcats have been in exceptional form, boasting a perfect 10-0 record in their last ten games, with an average of 93.6 points scored per game while allowing 70.1 points. Their recent victories include a notable win against the Arizona State Sun Devils, where they triumphed 89-82 just two days prior to facing UCF. Arizona's scoring prowess has been evident, as they have consistently outperformed their opponents, with a scoring average that stands out in the league.
Conversely, the Knights have also shown strong form, with a 9-1 record in their last ten games. They averaged 85.0 points scored and allowed 73.9 points during this stretch. UCF's recent games included a narrow 73-72 victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats and an 82-73 win over the Kansas State Wildcats. Their home record remains impressive at 8-0, showcasing their ability to perform well in front of their fans.
Historically, the Knights have faced challenges against the Wildcats, with this game marking their second meeting. In their previous encounter on January 12, 2025, UCF lost 80-88 to Arizona, indicating a trend that continued in this latest matchup. This history may have added pressure on the Knights as they sought to secure a win against a formidable opponent.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability for either team, which can often play a crucial role in the outcome of games. However, both teams entered the game with solid rosters, contributing to the competitive nature of the contest.
The betting market reflected Arizona's status as the favorite, with DraftKings setting the spread at 9.5 points in favor of the Wildcats and a total of 165.5 points for the game. Arizona's moneyline was listed at -485, while UCF's was at +370, indicating a strong belief in Arizona's ability to secure the win.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed key moments that defined the outcome. Notably, Chris Johnson made a significant 29-foot three-point jumper that pushed Arizona's lead to 79-73 in the second half. Jaden Bradley also played a crucial role, contributing multiple free throws that extended the Wildcats' lead. Despite UCF's efforts to close the gap, including a driving layup from Riley Kugel, they were unable to overcome the deficit.
The final score of 84-77 not only reflects a competitive game but also highlights the Wildcats' ability to maintain their winning streak and the Knights' struggle to secure a victory against a top-tier opponent. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Arizona aiming to continue their undefeated run and UCF seeking to rebound from this loss.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ARIZ -9.5 | 165.5 o -110 / u -110 | Arizona Wildcats -485 · UCF Knights +370 |
Leaders
- PointsThemus Fulks30UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks8UCF Knights
- ReboundsJamichael Stillwell6UCF Knights
- PointsJaden Bradley23Arizona Wildcats
- AssistsJaden Bradley5Arizona Wildcats
- ReboundsMotiejus Krivas12Arizona Wildcats
Recent form
UCF Knights
Last 10: 9-1Streak W285 scored · 73.9 allowed per game8-0 at home
- 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
- W86-61vs Towson TigersDec 7
- W82-57vs VMI KeydetsNov 29
- W102-91vs Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 26
Arizona Wildcats
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1093.6 scored · 70.1 allowed per game3-0 away
- W89-82vs Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 15
- W86-73at TCU Horned FrogsJan 10
- W101-76vs Kansas State WildcatsJan 8
- W97-78at Utah UtesJan 3
- W99-71vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsDec 30
- W107-71vs Bethune-Cookman WildcatsDec 23
- W68-45vs San Diego State AztecsDec 21
- W96-62vs Abilene Christian WildcatsDec 17
- W96-75at Alabama Crimson TideDec 14
- W97-68vs Auburn TigersDec 7
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 Wildcats | UCF Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-55 | 28-70 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 3-13 | 8-26 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 31 |
| Free throws | 23-33 | 13-14 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 93 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 13 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 28 |
| Fouls | 13 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 90 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-46Riley Kugel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-48Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-49Themus Fulks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-49Motiejus Krivas makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Anthony Dell'Orso assists)
- 2nd Half55-49Jaden Bradley makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half57-49Jaden Bradley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-49Dwayne Aristode makes driving layup (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 2nd Half61-49Jaden Bradley makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half61-52Jamichael Stillwell makes 27-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half62-52Koa Peat makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-52Koa Peat makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-52Brayden Burries makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Anthony Dell'Orso assists)
- 2nd Half65-55Jordan Burks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half67-55Koa Peat makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 2nd Half67-57Jordan Burks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-58Jordan Burks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-58Jaden Bradley makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-61Jamichael Stillwell makes 27-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half71-61Ivan Kharchenkov makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-62Devan Cambridge makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-63Devan Cambridge makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-63Brayden Burries makes 28-foot three point jumper (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 2nd Half74-65Jordan Burks makes layup
- 2nd Half74-66Jordan Burks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half75-66Tobe Awaka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Themus Fulks makes layup
- 2nd Half76-68Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-68Jaden Bradley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-68Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-68Jaden Bradley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-69Themus Fulks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-70Themus Fulks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-73Chris Johnson makes 29-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half80-73Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-73Jaden Bradley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-75Riley Kugel makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-75Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-75Jaden Bradley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-75Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-77Riley Kugel makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours UCF Knights, below favours Arizona Wildcats.
Venue
- Addition Financial ArenaOrlando, FL
- Attendance10000
- OfficialsBret Smith, Gregory Nixon, James Ford
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Arizona Wildcats Defeat UCF Knights 81-59Mar 12, 2026