UCF Basketball Injuries To Watch For March Madness The UCF men's basketball team has faced its share of injuries this season, but the timing and impact of these setbacks have raised concerns ahead of their NCAA Tournament run. As the Knights prepare for their first selection show since 2019, three players stand out for their injury status, with their health potentially influencing their performance in March Madness. John Bol, the team’s tallest player, has been a consistent presence on the court, starting every game this season. However, his recent injury during a Big 12 quarterfinal matchup against Arizona has drawn attention. Early in the second half, Bol left the game out of breath, communicating with trainers and pointing to his chest. He returned to play with 11 minutes remaining in the half but was forced to exit again after picking up his fourth foul. According to sideline reporter Kris Budden, Bol experienced chest pain during the game, which worsened as he attempted to walk to the locker room. Despite the discomfort, he rejoined the team on the bench for the remainder of the game. Coach Johnny Dawkins noted that Bol was “doing okay” postgame but emphasized the need for caution, stating, “He was moving, came back out, so we’ll see.” Riley Kugel, one of UCF’s leading scorers, has missed only two games this season, both of which resulted in victories. However, his availability for the tournament remains uncertain. During a recent overtime win against Cincinnati, Kugel collided with the scorer’s table in the final seconds, leading to a game-time decision. Despite the incident, he ultimately played, though his role in the team’s success has been questioned. Jamichael Stillwell, UCF’s top rebounder, has also faced challenges. He missed two games this season, both losses, but has since returned to play.#kris_budden #riley_kugel #johnny_dawkins #ucf #john_bol
UCF Knights vs Cincinnati Bearcats UCF rallied past Cincinnati 66-65 in overtime on Thursday to advance to the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals. The Knights, seeded eighth, overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half and a critical missed shot by Cincinnati’s Jalen Celestine in the final seconds of extra time to secure the victory. The game, played in Kansas City, Missouri, marked UCF’s first win against top-seeded Arizona this season and set up a matchup against the Wildcats in the next round. Jamichael Stillwell led UCF with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Riley Kugel added 15 points. The Knights’ best rebounder, Stillwell, was forced to the bench early in the second half after picking up his fourth foul, leaving UCF without its primary interior presence. Despite the challenge, UCF mounted a comeback, with Bol scoring 13 points and Kugel hitting a crucial layup to tie the game at 58 with a minute remaining in regulation. Cincinnati’s final possession ended in a missed 3-pointer by Celestine, who had 11 points for the Bearcats, as the clock expired. Cincinnati, seeded ninth, took control of the game in the fourth quarter after Thomas was fouled on a long-range shot. Thomas converted both free throws to give the Bearcats a 46-37 lead, but UCF’s defense stifled Cincinnati’s offense for the remainder of the game. The Knights’ resilience was evident as they forced three consecutive turnovers from Cincinnati in the final two minutes, setting the stage for the overtime thriller. Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati’s leading scorer with 18 points and 16 rebounds, struggled to contain UCF’s relentless pressure in the final minutes. Despite Thiam’s efforts, the Bearcats’ inability to convert key possessions proved costly. Cincinnati’s coach, Wes Miller, called a timeout with 0.#cincinnati_bearcats #ucf_knights #jalen_celestine #riley_kugel #moustapha_thiam
