UCF Knights Edge Cincinnati Bearcats in Close Contest
Sunday, January 11, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · Addition Financial Arena
UCF Knights 73, Cincinnati Bearcats 72, 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 Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights beat Cincinnati Bearcats 73-72 at Addition Financial Arena on January 11, 2026.
Who was favored in Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Addition Financial Arena, the UCF Knights narrowly defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats with a final score of 73-72. This game was particularly significant as it showcased the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams fighting hard for a crucial win.
The Knights entered the game with a strong home record of 13-2, having won nine of their last ten games, though they were coming off a loss to Oklahoma State on January 7, 2026. Their recent form has seen them average 85.9 points scored while allowing 74.4 points per game. At home, they maintained an impressive record of 9-0, demonstrating their dominance on their own court. However, they had a slight setback with their last five games showing a record of 4-1 and an average of 85.0 points scored against 77.0 allowed.
On the other hand, the Bearcats brought an 8-8 overall record into the game, struggling with a recent form of 4-6 in their last ten outings. They faced a two-game losing streak, including a close defeat against West Virginia just days prior. Cincinnati's scoring average was notably lower than UCF's, at 72.7 points per game, while they allowed an average of 66.2 points. Their away record was concerning, standing at 0-4, which highlighted their struggles on the road.
This matchup was also notable for its historical context, as the Knights were looking to avenge their previous meeting with the Bearcats, where they lost 83-93 on February 6, 2025. The stakes were high for both teams, as each sought to improve their standing in the league.
In terms of the betting market, DraftKings had UCF as the favorite with a spread of -2.5, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a home victory. The total points set at 150.5 suggested expectations for a high-scoring affair, reflecting both teams' offensive capabilities.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting atmosphere, with both teams displaying their skills in a tightly contested match. UCF's home advantage was evident, and the Knights capitalized on it, particularly in the second half. Key moments included a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats, such as Themus Fulks making a crucial floating jump shot to give UCF the lead late in the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either roster, allowing both teams to field their strongest lineups.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of determination and skill, with both teams exchanging leads and battling for every point. The Knights' ability to execute under pressure ultimately allowed them to secure the win, reinforcing their status as a formidable opponent at home. The final score of 73-72 reflects the intensity and competitiveness of college basketball, making this fixture a memorable one for fans and players alike.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCF -2.5 | 150.5 o -115 / u -105 | Cincinnati Bearcats +120 · UCF Knights -142 |
Leaders
- PointsRiley Kugel19UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks12UCF Knights
- ReboundsJeremy Foumena8UCF Knights
- PointsMoustapha Thiam24Cincinnati Bearcats
- AssistsSencire Harris6Cincinnati Bearcats
- ReboundsBaba Miller7Cincinnati Bearcats
Recent form
UCF Knights
Last 10: 9-1Streak L185.9 scored · 74.4 allowed per game9-0 at home
- 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
- W77-67vs Pittsburgh PanthersNov 21
- W87-83vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesNov 18
Cincinnati Bearcats
Last 10: 4-6Streak L272.7 scored · 66.2 allowed per game0-4 away
- L60-62at West Virginia MountaineersJan 7
- L60-67vs Houston CougarsJan 3
- W89-62vs Lipscomb BisonsDec 30
- L65-68at Clemson TigersDec 21
- W88-51vs Alabama State HornetsDec 18
- L65-84at Georgia BulldogsDec 13
- L74-79at Xavier MusketeersDec 6
- W76-58vs Tarleton State TexansDec 2
- L56-64vs Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 27
- W94-67vs NJIT HighlandersNov 25
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 | Cincinnati Bearcats | UCF Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-67 | 30-52 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 3-19 | 6-14 |
| Three-point % | 16 | 43 |
| Free throws | 5-8 | 7-9 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 26 |
| Assists | 19 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 1 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 44 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 24 | 66 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-37Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-38Riley Kugel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-40Riley Kugel makes driving layup
- 2nd Half36-42Jeremy Foumena makes 1-foot dunk (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half38-42Jizzle James makes layup
- 2nd Half40-42Tyler McKinley makes layup (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half42-42Day Day Thomas makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Jalen Celestine assists)
- 2nd Half42-44Themus Fulks makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-44Baba Miller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-44Baba Miller makes 3-foot dunk (Day Day Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Baba Miller makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half47-47Riley Kugel makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half50-47Jalen Celestine makes 26-foot three point jumper (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half50-49Jeremy Foumena makes 8-foot hook shot (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Jeremy Foumena makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half52-51Moustapha Thiam makes layup (Keyshuan Tillery assists)
- 2nd Half53-51Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-53Jamichael Stillwell makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot (Chris Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half55-53Baba Miller makes 4-foot floating jump shot (Sencire Harris assists)
- 2nd Half55-56Jordan Burks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half57-56Moustapha Thiam makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Sencire Harris assists)
- 2nd Half57-57Jordan Burks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Chris Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half59-60Sencire Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-62Riley Kugel makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Jizzle James makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half61-63Chris Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Chris Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-64Sencire Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Jamichael Stillwell makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Jizzle James makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half64-68Jamichael Stillwell makes layup
- 2nd Half64-69Jamichael Stillwell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-69Moustapha Thiam makes layup (Day Day Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half66-71Jeremy Foumena makes 11-foot hook shot (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half68-71Moustapha Thiam makes 9-foot hook shot (Jalen Celestine assists)
- 2nd Half69-71Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-71Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Baba Miller makes layup
- 2nd Half72-73Themus Fulks makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Riley Kugel assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours UCF Knights, below favours Cincinnati Bearcats.
Venue
- Addition Financial ArenaOrlando, FL
- Attendance7899
- 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