UCF Knights Defeat No. 11 Texas Tech in Space Game

UCF basketball team scores signature win over ranked opponent in annual Space-themed matchup.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The UCF Knights men's basketball team defeated the No. 11 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders 88-80 in a Big 12 conference game played at Orlando's Addition Financial Arena. The annual "Space Game" featured space-themed uniforms and entertainment to celebrate UCF's ties to the nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Why it matters

This victory represents a significant win for the UCF program, as they were able to take down a highly ranked opponent in their annual showcase game. The Space Game has become a popular tradition that highlights UCF's connections to the space industry and the university's status as a leader in aerospace education.

The details

UCF led for most of the game, building a double-digit lead in the second half before holding off a late Texas Tech rally. The Knights were led by a balanced scoring attack, with four players scoring in double figures. UCF coach Johnny Dawkins praised his team's effort, saying they had been "challenging our guys all season long about when would we play a 40-minute basketball game."

  • The game was played on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • UCF has hosted the annual Space Game at Addition Financial Arena since 2018.

The players

Johnny Dawkins

Head coach of the UCF men's basketball team.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The men's basketball team from Texas Tech University, ranked #11 in the country at the time of this game.

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What they’re saying

“We've been challenging our guys all season long about when would we play a 40-minute basketball game,”

— Johnny Dawkins, Head Coach (The Ledger)

What’s next

UCF will look to build on this signature win as they continue their Big 12 conference schedule. Texas Tech will aim to rebound from the loss as they pursue a high NCAA Tournament seed.

The takeaway

UCF's victory over the highly ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders in their annual Space Game showcases the Knights' ability to compete with top programs and highlights the growing national profile of the university's basketball team.