UCF Knights basketball: Upset bid at Kansas undone in paint, with controversial calls

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In addition to attempting to improve its NCAA Tournament résumé, UCF sought redemption Tuesday night at one of the birthplaces of basketball.

Less than a month ago, Kansas stormed into Orlando and blew the doors off Addition Financial Arena. The Jayhawks handed the hosts a 51-point defeat, tied for the second-largest in the Knights’ Division I history.

“Where I come from, we always try to get our get-back,” UCF junior swingman Keyshawn Hall said. “This is a game we’re really trying to win. We have to make a statement. That was an embarrassing loss for the program, for our community and everything. We have to try and do something about that.”

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UCF proved it could go toe-to-toe with the Jayhawks in its first trip to Lawrence, where James Naismith authored the sport’s original rule book and founded the university’s basketball team. But, ulimately, another glorious shot for a season-defining win came up just short.

Kansas rallied from a nine-point deficit in the second half and utilized its strengths in the paint and on the glass to fend off the Knights for a 91-87 victory at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks (15-5, 6-3), who fell in double overtime Saturday to Houston, have not lost consecutive home games since 1989.

Hunter Dickinson and Zeke Mayo shared the team lead with 24 points apiece for Kansas, while KJ Adams and David Coit each chipped in 12 off the bench. Kansas finished with a 48-36 rebounding advantage, supplementing 10 made 3-pointers with 34 points in the paint.

Jan 28, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; UCF Knights guard Keyshawn Hall (4) shoots against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

UCF relentlessly fired away from long range, sinking 14 of 36 attempts from beyond the arc. The Knights registered 20 assists on 29 field goals and committed just seven turnovers. By contrast, they forced 12 Kansas turnovers, capitalizing on the…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-knights-basketball-upset-bid-101514381.html

Author : Daytona Beach News-Journal

Publish date : 2025-01-29 10:15:00

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