UCF stuns No. 19 BYU 97-84 for massive NCAA Tournament résumé win

Knights deliver one of their biggest wins under Johnny Dawkins, never trailing in road upset of ranked Cougars

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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UCF delivered one of its biggest wins of the Johnny Dawkins era Tuesday night, never trailing in a 97-84 road upset of No. 19 BYU. The Knights shot 58.3% from three, moved to 20-7 overall and 9-6 in Big 12 play, and gave their NCAA Tournament résumé a major boost.

Why it matters

This win is a huge boost to UCF's NCAA Tournament résumé, as the Knights picked up a ranked road victory against a BYU team that had just knocked off No. 6 Iowa State. UCF's strong start and dominant first half proved too much for the Cougars to overcome, highlighting the Knights' depth and ability to win in a tough road environment.

The details

UCF jumped out to a 14-4 lead and never looked back, building a 52-28 halftime advantage behind a blistering shooting performance. The Knights finished the game shooting 56.3% from the field and 58.3% from three-point range, with Themus Fulks and Jordan Burks each scoring 24 points. UCF's defense also limited BYU star freshman AJ Dybantsa, who entered the game leading the nation in scoring.

  • UCF opened the game on a 14-4 run.
  • The Knights led 52-28 at halftime.
  • UCF stretched its lead to 36 points (64-28) early in the second half.

The players

Themus Fulks

UCF guard who finished with 24 points and 11 assists.

Jordan Burks

UCF forward who matched Fulks with 24 points and hit 4-of-7 from three-point range.

Jamichael Stillwell

UCF forward who posted a 12-point, 12-rebound, 6-assist line before leaving with an apparent ankle injury.

AJ Dybantsa

BYU freshman forward who entered the game leading the nation in scoring at 24.9 points per game, but was held in check early before finishing with 29 points and 8 rebounds.

Johnny Dawkins

UCF head coach who praised his team's effort and execution in the win.

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What they’re saying

“It really was (a great win). I thought our guys did a terrific job. Played some of the best basketball we've played all season… I was really proud of our guys for the effort that we gave for 40 minutes.”

— Johnny Dawkins, UCF Head Coach (UCF Postgame Radio Interview)

“Absolutely. Hugely important that we don't give them second and third shot attempts. They're just so active. They play with so much intensity and I thought our guys tonight were able to match that.”

— Johnny Dawkins, UCF Head Coach (UCF Postgame Radio Interview)

“Those guys were terrific. Jordan was really good — spacing the floor, making his plays, grabbing rebounds, changing some shots around the basket, some steals. And Themus has done what he's done all year long for us. He just lets us do whatever it takes to win… assisting, scoring. I thought he was terrific tonight.”

— Johnny Dawkins, UCF Head Coach (UCF Postgame Radio Interview)

What’s next

UCF returns to Orlando for their final two home games, beginning this Saturday vs. Baylor (8 p.m., FS1) and then next Tuesday, March 3 vs. Oklahoma State (7 p.m. ESPN+). They'll end the regular season at West Virginia on Friday, March 6 before heading to Kansas City for the Big 12 Tournament.

The takeaway

This win is a major résumé-building victory for UCF, as the Knights proved they can win on the road against a ranked opponent in a hostile environment. The team's depth, balanced scoring, and defensive intensity were on full display, giving the Knights confidence and momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season and the Big 12 Tournament.