UCF Rallies Late to Edge Cincinnati in Big 12 Thriller

Knights erase 8-point deficit in final minutes to force overtime and advance to quarterfinals

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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UCF overcame a late 8-point deficit to force overtime and eventually defeat Cincinnati 66-65 in a Big 12 tournament second-round game on Wednesday. The eighth-seeded Knights rallied in the final minutes of regulation, with Riley Kugel scoring two key baskets to tie the game at 58-58 and send it to overtime. In the extra period, John Bol hit four crucial free throws to give UCF the lead, and the Knights held on for the victory despite a late 3-pointer by Cincinnati's Day Day Thomas. The win advances UCF to the quarterfinals to face top-seeded Arizona.

Why it matters

This thrilling comeback victory for UCF keeps the Knights' NCAA Tournament hopes alive, as they advance in the Big 12 tournament. Meanwhile, the loss is a crushing blow to Cincinnati's postseason aspirations, as the Bearcats squandered a late lead and now face an uncertain future. The game showcased the drama and excitement of conference tournament basketball.

The details

UCF trailed by 8 points with just over 2 minutes left in regulation, but the Knights scored the final 8 points to tie the game at 58-58 and force overtime. In the extra period, UCF's John Bol hit four free throws to give his team a 66-62 lead, and the Knights held on despite a late 3-pointer by Cincinnati's Day Day Thomas. Jamichael Stillwell led UCF with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Moustapha Thiam paced Cincinnati with 18 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 in the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.
  • UCF trailed by 8 points with 2:17 remaining in regulation.

The players

Riley Kugel

A UCF player who scored 15 points, including two key baskets in the final minutes of regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime.

John Bol

A UCF player who scored 13 points, including four crucial free throws in overtime that gave the Knights the lead.

Jamichael Stillwell

The leading scorer for UCF with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Moustapha Thiam

The leading scorer for Cincinnati with 18 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks.

Day Day Thomas

A Cincinnati player who scored 15 points, including a late 3-pointer in overtime to cut UCF's lead to 1 point.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for our team and keeps our NCAA Tournament hopes alive. I'm proud of the way we fought back in the final minutes to force overtime.”

— Riley Kugel, UCF Player

“We let this one slip away. We had the lead late and just couldn't finish it off. It's a tough loss that really hurts our chances of making the NCAA Tournament.”

— Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati Player

What’s next

UCF will face top-seeded Arizona in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals on Thursday. Cincinnati's NCAA Tournament hopes are now in jeopardy following this heartbreaking loss.

The takeaway

This thrilling comeback victory for UCF showcases the drama and excitement of conference tournament basketball, as the Knights erased a late deficit to keep their postseason dreams alive. Meanwhile, the loss is a crushing blow for Cincinnati, which squandered a late lead and now faces an uncertain future.