UCF Knights Edge Florida Atlantic Owls in Close Contest
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Addition Financial Arena
UCF Knights 85, Florida Atlantic Owls 80, 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 Florida Atlantic Owls vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights beat Florida Atlantic Owls 85-80 at Addition Financial Arena on December 23, 2025.
Who was favored in Florida Atlantic Owls vs UCF Knights?
UCF Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -455 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Addition Financial Arena, the UCF Knights narrowly defeated the Florida Atlantic Owls with a final score of 85-80. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased two teams with contrasting recent performances, and the Knights continued their impressive home record, improving to 12-1 overall.
The UCF Knights entered the game with a strong home record of 11-1, having won nine consecutive games, including their last five, where they averaged 90.6 points scored while allowing 70.4 points. Their recent form has been characterized by high-scoring games, with their latest victory against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles ending in a decisive 102-80 win just three days prior. The Knights have been formidable at home, boasting an 8-1 record, and their scoring average at home stands at an impressive 89.3 points per game.
On the other side, the Florida Atlantic Owls came into the game with an 8-5 overall record and had struggled recently, losing their last game against the Saint Mary's Gaels 75-88. Their away record was 2-2, and they had a mixed performance in their last five games, recording a 3-2 record with an average of 87.6 points scored and 73.6 points allowed. Despite their recent struggles, the Owls had shown the ability to score heavily, as seen in their previous win against UAlbany, where they scored 105 points.
The two teams had met once before in the current season, with UCF winning that matchup 100-94 on November 13, 2024. This prior victory likely added to the Knights' confidence heading into this game. The Knights' ability to perform under pressure has been a key factor in their success this season, and they showcased this once again in a tightly contested game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate the challenges of maintaining player fitness throughout the season. This aspect often plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of games, especially in close contests.
The betting market reflected the Knights' strong home advantage, with DraftKings setting the spread at UCF -8.5 and the total points at 162.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in UCF's ability to secure a win, with a moneyline of -455 for the Knights compared to +350 for the Owls.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Key scoring plays in the second half included Themus Fulks making a crucial hook shot that brought the Owls within three points at 79-76, followed by Riley Kugel hitting free throws to extend UCF's lead. The Knights' ability to execute under pressure was evident as they maintained their composure in the final moments of the game.
As the game progressed, the tension built, with the Owls making a late push to close the gap. However, UCF's consistent scoring and defensive efforts allowed them to hold on for the victory. This win not only solidified UCF's home dominance but also highlighted their potential as a strong contender in the league.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive nature of NCAAB, with both teams displaying their strengths and weaknesses. The Knights' victory keeps them on a positive trajectory as they look to continue their winning ways, while the Owls will need to regroup and address their recent inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCF -8.5 | 162.5 o -108 / u -112 | Florida Atlantic Owls +350 · UCF Knights -455 |
Leaders
- PointsThemus Fulks24UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks12UCF Knights
- ReboundsJohn Bol11UCF Knights
- PointsXander Pintelon20Florida Atlantic Owls
- AssistsKanaan Carlyle4Florida Atlantic Owls
- ReboundsKanaan Carlyle11Florida Atlantic Owls
Recent form
UCF Knights
Last 10: 9-1Streak W989.3 scored · 74.1 allowed per game8-1 at home
- 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
- W86-74at Texas A&M AggiesNov 15
- W97-60vs Florida A&M RattlersNov 12
- L93-105vs Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 8
Florida Atlantic Owls
Last 10: 6-4Streak L182.1 scored · 71.7 allowed per game2-2 away
- L75-88at Saint Mary's GaelsDec 20
- W105-79vs UAlbany Great DanesDec 13
- W112-55vs Saint Leo MonarchsDec 11
- W81-76at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesDec 7
- L65-70vs St. Bonaventure BonniesNov 30
- L65-74vs George Mason PatriotsNov 26
- W76-65at Loyola Marymount LionsNov 25
- W82-59vs Pacific TigersNov 21
- W92-63vs Coastal Georgia MarinerNov 18
- L68-88at Liberty FlamesNov 9
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 25-9 | - | 15-3 |
| Tulsa | 30-8 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Wichita State | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| UAB | 20-12 | 4 | 11-7 |
| North Texas | 19-14 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Charlotte | 17-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Tulane | 18-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Temple | 16-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Memphis | 13-19 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rice | 13-18 | 8 | 7-11 |
| East Carolina | 11-20 | 9 | 6-12 |
| UTSA | 5-25 | 14 | 1-17 |
| 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 | Florida Atlantic Owls | UCF Knights |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-70 | 32-65 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 9-30 | 6-19 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 32 |
| Free throws | 9-12 | 15-22 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 30 |
| Assists | 12 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 7 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 23 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 46 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 48 | 48 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-52Jordan Burks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Jamichael Stillwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-54Kanaan Carlyle makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half50-57Riley Kugel makes 28-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half53-57Xander Pintelon makes 26-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Elohim assists)
- 2nd Half55-57Isaiah Elohim makes layup
- 2nd Half55-58Themus Fulks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Themus Fulks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-59Niccolo Moretti makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-61Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-62Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-64Jordan Burks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-64Devin Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-64Devin Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-66Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-67Themus Fulks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-67Devin Williams makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half62-67Xander Pintelon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-67Xander Pintelon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-69Jamichael Stillwell makes 16-foot jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half64-69Devin Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-69Devin Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-71John Bol makes layup (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half67-71Devin Williams makes layup (Xander Pintelon assists)
- 2nd Half67-73John Bol makes 7-foot jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half70-73Xander Pintelon makes 26-foot three point jumper (Niccolo Moretti assists)
- 2nd Half70-74John Bol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-74Niccolo Moretti makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-75Jamichael Stillwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-77John Bol makes layup
- 2nd Half74-77Xander Pintelon makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-77Isaiah Elohim makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half76-79Themus Fulks makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half76-80Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Riley Kugel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-83Riley Kugel makes 1-foot dunk (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half78-83Devin Williams makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half78-84Jordan Burks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-85Jordan Burks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-85Xander Pintelon makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours UCF Knights, below favours Florida Atlantic Owls.
Venue
- Addition Financial ArenaOrlando, FL
- Attendance1057
- OfficialsByron Jarrett, Antinio Petty, K.B. Burdett
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