UCLA Edges UCF in Close Contest at Xfinity Mobile Arena
Friday, March 20, 2026, 7:31 PM ET · Xfinity Mobile Arena
UCLA Bruins 75, UCF Knights 71, 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 UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins beat UCF Knights 75-71 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026.
Who was favored in UCF Knights vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game, the UCLA Bruins narrowly defeated the UCF Knights with a final score of 75-71 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. This matchup was significant as it showcased two teams with contrasting recent performances, setting the stage for an exciting encounter. UCLA entered the game with a home record of 24-11, while UCF boasted an away record of 21-12. The Bruins had a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss against the Purdue Boilermakers, which snapped a brief winning streak. UCF, on the other hand, had struggled recently, holding a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and also coming off a loss to the Arizona Wildcats.
The game began with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. UCLA, averaging 75.1 points scored and allowing 73.8 points in their recent ten games, looked to assert their dominance at home, where they had a record of 4-1 in their last five games. UCF, while averaging 76.8 points scored, had struggled defensively, allowing an average of 81.3 points during the same stretch, which contributed to their recent form of 1-4 in the last five games.
In terms of previous meetings, this matchup was crucial for both sides as they aimed to establish superiority over one another. The Bruins managed to maintain their home advantage, which was reflected in the betting lines set by DraftKings, where UCLA was favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 151.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in UCLA's ability to perform well at home, despite their recent loss.
As the game unfolded, both teams exchanged leads, but it was UCLA's ability to execute down the stretch that ultimately secured their victory. Key moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Jordan Burks that brought UCF within striking distance at 71-69, but UCLA responded effectively with free throws from Trent Perry, extending their lead. The Bruins' defense held firm in the final minutes, preventing UCF from capitalizing on their opportunities.
The injury picture did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams appeared to field their best available players. However, the impact of fatigue could be felt, particularly for UCF, who had endured a tough stretch of games leading up to this contest.
Conditions at the Xfinity Mobile Arena were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the Bruins. The atmosphere contributed to the intensity of the game, as both teams fought for every point.
Viewers watching this game were treated to a display of resilience from UCLA, who managed to hold onto their lead despite UCF's late-game push. The Bruins' ability to execute free throws in critical moments proved decisive, as they converted on key opportunities to maintain their advantage. Overall, this matchup highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses, making for an engaging contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCLA -5.5 | 151.5 o -110 / u -110 | UCF Knights +205 · UCLA Bruins -250 |
Leaders
- PointsEric Dailey Jr.20UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent5UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsXavier Booker8UCLA Bruins
- PointsJordan Burks22UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks8UCF Knights
- ReboundsJamichael Stillwell13UCF Knights
Recent form
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 6-4Streak L175.1 scored · 73.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L66-73vs Purdue BoilermakersMar 14
- W88-84at Michigan State SpartansMar 14
- W72-59vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsMar 13
- W89-68at USC TrojansMar 8
- W72-52vs Nebraska CornhuskersMar 4
- L73-78at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 28
- W81-62vs USC TrojansFeb 25
- W95-94vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 22
- L59-82at Michigan State SpartansFeb 18
- L56-86at Michigan WolverinesFeb 14
UCF Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak L176.8 scored · 81.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- L59-81at Arizona WildcatsMar 12
- W66-65vs Cincinnati BearcatsMar 11
- L62-77at West Virginia MountaineersMar 7
- L104-111vs Oklahoma State CowboysMar 4
- L86-87vs Baylor BearsMar 1
- W97-84at BYU CougarsFeb 25
- W73-71at Utah UtesFeb 22
- W82-71vs TCU Horned FrogsFeb 18
- L67-74vs West Virginia MountaineersFeb 14
- L72-92at Cincinnati BearcatsFeb 8
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 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | UCF Knights | UCLA Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-72 | 27-68 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 12-32 | 6-21 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 29 |
| Free throws | 5-16 | 13-18 |
| Free throw % | 31 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 53 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 25 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 26 |
| Assists | 15 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 13 |
| Blocks | 2 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 4 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 28 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 10 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-42Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half32-44Trent Perry makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half32-46Xavier Booker makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half34-46Jamichael Stillwell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half37-46Jordan Burks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half40-46Jordan Burks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Devan Cambridge assists)
- 2nd Half43-46Devan Cambridge makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Burks assists)
- 2nd Half43-48Trent Perry makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-50Trent Perry makes driving layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half43-51Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-54Xavier Booker makes 26-foot three point jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half44-54Jamichael Stillwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-56Donovan Dent makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-58Donovan Dent makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-58George Beale Jr. makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-59Eric Dailey Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-60Eric Dailey Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60Riley Kugel makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half51-60Riley Kugel makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-63Eric Dailey Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half53-63Riley Kugel makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-63Jordan Burks makes 24-foot three point jumper (George Beale Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half56-65Xavier Booker makes layup (Jamar Brown assists)
- 2nd Half56-66Xavier Booker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half58-66Jamichael Stillwell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half60-66Jamichael Stillwell makes layup (Jordan Burks assists)
- 2nd Half60-67Donovan Dent makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-68Donovan Dent makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-68Jordan Burks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-69Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-71Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-71Jordan Burks makes 28-foot three point jumper (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half65-72Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Jamichael Stillwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Jordan Burks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half69-73Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-74Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-75Skyy Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours UCLA Bruins, below favours UCF Knights.
Venue
- Xfinity Mobile ArenaPhiladelphia, PA
- Attendance19636
- OfficialsMike Reed, Tony Henderson, Tommy Johnson
Elsewhere
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
- All-SEC F Mitchell reenrolls at Missouri, avoids transfer battle
- Duke's Coach K Court to have sponsorship logo for first time
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