TCU, UCF Clash in Key Big 12 Bubble Showdown

The Horned Frogs and Knights are tied for eighth in the conference with six games left.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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TCU and UCF, both 6-6 in Big 12 play, will face off on Tuesday night in a crucial game for their NCAA Tournament hopes. The Horned Frogs have won three straight after a rough stretch, while the Knights have lost three in a row. Both teams are currently listed as 'Last Four In' or a No. 10 seed in the latest bracketology projections.

Why it matters

This matchup between the two teams tied for eighth in the Big 12 standings is crucial for their NCAA Tournament aspirations. With the conference being so strong this season, both TCU and UCF need to pick up key wins down the stretch to secure their spots in the Big Dance.

The details

TCU is led by David Punch's 19 points per game and a double-double from Xavier Edmonds in their last outing. Micah Robinson has also stepped up, scoring 17 points in an upset over No. 5 Iowa State. UCF has been mired in a three-game losing streak, with point guard Themus Fulks committing six turnovers in the loss to West Virginia. Riley Kugel leads the Knights in scoring at 14.3 points per game.

  • The game will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Jamie Dixon

The head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs.

Johnny Dawkins

The head coach of the UCF Knights.

David Punch

A TCU player who scored 19 points in the team's last game.

Xavier Edmonds

A TCU player who recorded a double-double in the team's last game.

Micah Robinson

A TCU player who scored 17 points in an upset over Iowa State.

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What they’re saying

“It definitely means a lot. It shows the trust of the coaching staff and my teammates have in me. It meant a lot to be able to come out there and compete.”

— Micah Robinson (statenews.net)

“We just have to understand that you have to play for a full 40 (minutes) and you can't have any let-ups on either side of the basketball. It was disappointing to see us not stay completely focused the entire time. I know that can be a challenge, but that's the nature of this sport.”

— Johnny Dawkins, UCF Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing an NCAA Tournament berth, while the loser will have work to do in the final weeks of the regular season.

The takeaway

This matchup between two bubble teams in the Big 12 is a must-watch game, as both TCU and UCF are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives. The outcome could have major implications on the postseason landscape.