UCF Snaps 3-Game Losing Streak with Emphatic Win Over TCU

Jordan Burks ties career-high with 23 points as Knights strengthen NCAA Tournament hopes

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The UCF Knights snapped a three-game losing streak with an 82-71 win over the visiting TCU Horned Frogs on Tuesday night. Jordan Burks led the way for UCF, tying a career-high with 23 points. The victory helps solidify the Knights' NCAA Tournament resume, which already includes wins over ranked foes Kansas and Texas Tech.

Why it matters

The win over TCU is a crucial one for UCF as they look to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2018-19 season. The Knights had lost three straight games prior to this, so this victory helps them regain momentum and confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

UCF jumped out to an early 9-2 lead, with Burks scoring 7 points in the first four minutes. The Knights built a 14-point lead in the second half, but TCU made a late run to cut the deficit to 12 points. However, UCF point guard Themus Fulks scored 12 of his 14 points in the final six minutes to seal the victory for the home team.

  • UCF entered Tuesday night's game on the NCAA Tournament bubble, with ESPN's Joe Lunardi projecting them as a No. 10 seed.
  • The Knights will now travel to Utah for a two-game swing, facing the Utes on Saturday (9 p.m., ESPN+) and No. 23 BYU on Tuesday (11 p.m., ESPN/ESPN2).

The players

Jordan Burks

A UCF player who tied a career-high with 23 points in the win over TCU.

Themus Fulks

The fifth-year point guard for UCF, who scored 12 of his 14 points in the final six minutes to seal the victory for the Knights.

Jamichael Stillwell

A senior forward for UCF who made his presence felt with a pair of early rebounds, including an offensive putback for a score.

Johnny Dawkins

The head coach of the UCF Knights, who guided his team to the important win over TCU.

Jamie Dixon

The head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs, whose team suffered the loss to UCF.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.