UCF Knights Defeat Colorado Buffaloes 95-86 in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · CU Events Center
UCF Knights 95, Colorado Buffaloes 86, 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 UCF Knights vs Colorado Buffaloes?
UCF Knights beat Colorado Buffaloes 95-86 at CU Events Center on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in UCF Knights vs Colorado Buffaloes?
Colorado Buffaloes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
The UCF Knights secured a notable victory against the Colorado Buffaloes, winning 95-86 in a game that showcased their offensive prowess. This matchup was particularly interesting as it featured two teams with contrasting recent forms, with UCF entering the game with a stronger record and a better scoring average compared to Colorado.
The Knights came into the game with a record of 15-4, having won seven of their last ten games, although they were on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup. They averaged 80.0 points per game while allowing 76.2 points, demonstrating their ability to score while also being vulnerable defensively. In contrast, the Buffaloes had a record of 12-8 and had struggled recently, winning only four of their last ten games and currently on a four-game losing streak. Colorado averaged 77.0 points scored per game but allowed 75.9, indicating a similar trend of high-scoring games but with less favorable outcomes.
The game took place at the CU Events Center, where the Buffaloes had a home record of 3-4 this season. UCF, while also having a challenging away record of 1-2, had shown they could perform well in hostile environments. The betting markets reflected UCF's status as slight underdogs, with DraftKings pricing Colorado as 3.5-point favorites, with a total set at 159.5 points, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring contest.
In terms of previous meetings, the two teams had faced off twice in the past, with each team winning once. The most recent encounter before this game was on February 15, 2025, where Colorado emerged victorious with a score of 76-63. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both teams aimed to assert dominance over the other.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this contest, as both teams fielded competitive lineups. However, the overall performance on the court was what ultimately decided the outcome. The Knights' offense was particularly effective, with several key players stepping up to contribute to the scoring. The game featured a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Knights' ability to execute under pressure, including free throws and critical jump shots that extended their lead in the second half.
As the game progressed, UCF maintained control, with standout performances from players like Isaiah Johnson and Chris Johnson, who made crucial baskets that kept the momentum in their favor. Colorado fought hard to close the gap, but their efforts fell short as they struggled to contain UCF's offensive onslaught.
The final score of 95-86 not only reflects UCF's victory but also underscores the high-scoring nature of the game, aligning with the pre-game expectations set by the betting lines. Fans and analysts alike will likely take note of UCF's ability to bounce back from their recent losses and the challenges Colorado faces moving forward, especially as they look to break their losing streak.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | COLO -3.5 | 159.5 o -110 / u -110 | UCF Knights +150 · Colorado Buffaloes -180 |
Leaders
- PointsSebastian Rancik20Colorado Buffaloes
- AssistsIsaiah Johnson6Colorado Buffaloes
- ReboundsBangot Dak9Colorado Buffaloes
- PointsRiley Kugel22UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks8UCF Knights
- ReboundsJohn Bol10UCF Knights
Recent form
Colorado Buffaloes
Last 10: 4-6Streak L477 scored · 75.9 allowed per game3-4 at home
- L69-75vs Kansas JayhawksJan 21
- L61-72at West Virginia MountaineersJan 17
- L68-77at Cincinnati BearcatsJan 15
- L71-73vs Texas Tech Red RaidersJan 11
- W85-73vs Utah UtesJan 8
- W95-89at Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 3
- L81-86vs Northern Colorado BearsDec 28
- L68-77vs Stanford CardinalDec 21
- W84-73vs Portland State VikingsDec 18
- W88-64vs UTSA RoadrunnersDec 13
UCF Knights
Last 10: 7-3Streak L280 scored · 76.2 allowed per game1-2 away
- 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
- W86-61vs Towson 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 | UCF Knights | Colorado Buffaloes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-54 | 29-56 |
| Field goal % | 61 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 15-24 | 11-20 |
| Three-point % | 63 | 55 |
| Free throws | 14-21 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 19 |
| Assists | 18 | 17 |
| Steals | 4 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 30 |
| Fouls | 15 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 59 | 37 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half55-51Jamichael Stillwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-53Bangot Dak makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half58-53Riley Kugel makes 23-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half60-53Themus Fulks makes layup
- 2nd Half60-56Isaiah Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sebastian Rancik assists)
- 2nd Half63-56Riley Kugel makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half63-58Sebastian Rancik makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-58Riley Kugel makes 30-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-58Jordan Burks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-58Jordan Burks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-58Jamichael Stillwell makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-60Isaiah Johnson makes layup (Barrington Hargress assists)
- 2nd Half73-60Riley Kugel makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half73-62Bangot Dak makes 7-foot jumper (Felix Kossaras assists)
- 2nd Half73-64Sebastian Rancik makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Isaiah Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half75-64Jamichael Stillwell makes layup (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half77-64Jamichael Stillwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-64Jordan Burks makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-66Isaiah Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-67Isaiah Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half79-70Sebastian Rancik makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half81-70Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-71Bangot Dak makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-72Bangot Dak makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-72Chris Johnson makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half83-73Barrington Hargress makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-74Barrington Hargress makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-74Themus Fulks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-77Jalin Holland makes 26-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half86-77Jamichael Stillwell makes layup (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half86-80Isaiah Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Barrington Hargress assists)
- 2nd Half89-80Riley Kugel makes 22-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half89-81Isaiah Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-82Isaiah Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-82Chris Johnson makes layup (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half92-82Riley Kugel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half93-82Riley Kugel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half95-82Themus Fulks makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half95-84Sebastian Rancik makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half95-86Bangot Dak makes 1-foot dunk (Barrington Hargress assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Colorado Buffaloes, below favours UCF Knights.
Venue
- CU Events CenterBoulder, CO
- Attendance6528
- OfficialsDarron George, Antinio Petty, Gary Maxwell
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