The UCF Knights, led by Jordan Burks' 23 points and 7 rebounds, pulled off a stunning 82-71 upset over the Texas Christian Horned Frogs, a team ranked 4 spots higher in the NET rankings, with TCU sitting at 45 and UCF at 49. This win, a Quad 2 victory for UCF and a Quad 1 loss for TCU, is a significant boost to the Knights' tournament resume, especially considering their recent form, where they had gone 2-3 in their last 5 games, averaging 72.2 points per game while allowing 80.2 points per game. The Horned Frogs, on the other hand, had been averaging 74.4 points per game over their last 5 games, but their defense had been a concern, allowing 79 points per game. The Knights' ability to capitalize on TCU's defensive struggles was a key factor in the game, as they shot 51.9% from the field, including 7-14 from three-point range.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with UCF taking a 42-28 lead into halftime, thanks in large part to Jordan Burks' 14 first-half points. However, TCU came out strong in the second half, outscoring UCF 43-40, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Micah Robinson led the charge for TCU, scoring 20 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, but the Horned Frogs' inability to contain UCF's offense, particularly in the first half, ultimately cost them the game. UCF's Themus Fulks also had a strong game, scoring 14 points and dishing out 7 assists, including 4 in the second half, which helped the Knights maintain their lead. The Knights' bench also played a crucial role, outscoring TCU's bench 15-10, with George Beale Jr. contributing 11 points.
UCF's Jordan Burks Scores 23 Points in Upset Win Over TCU
Beyond the numbers, Jordan Burks was the difference-maker for UCF, hitting several big shots, including a pair of three-pointers in the first half, to help the Knights build their lead. Micah Robinson, on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with for TCU, but his teammates struggled to find their rhythm, with David Punch and Xavier Edmonds combining for 26 points, but on just 10-24 shooting. Themus Fulks' playmaking ability was also a key factor, as he consistently found open teammates and helped to break down TCU's defense. The Knights' defense also deserves credit, as they held TCU to just 40.6% shooting from the field, including 6-23 from three-point range.
The CHD Scout prediction had TCU winning by 2.6 points, but that prediction was incorrect, as UCF's strong first half and consistent play throughout the game ultimately led to their 11-point victory.
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The prediction model missed the fact that UCF's recent struggles had been largely due to their tough schedule, with 3 of their last 5 games coming against top-25 teams, and that they were due for a bounce-back performance. Additionally, the model underestimated the impact of UCF's home-court advantage, as the Knights have been a strong team at home, with a 12-2 record at the Addition Financial Arena. The model also failed to account for TCU's defensive struggles, which had been a concern all season, and UCF's ability to capitalize on those struggles.
The win is a significant boost to UCF's tournament resume, and it will be interesting to see how the selection committee views this Quad 2 win. UCF's NET ranking is likely to improve, and they could find themselves on the bubble or even in the tournament field if they can continue to win. TCU, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as this loss could drop them out of the top 50 in the NET rankings. The Horned Frogs have a tough schedule ahead of them, with 3 of their next 5 games coming against top-25 teams, and they must find a way to win on the road if they want to stay in the tournament picture.
This win could be the difference-maker for UCF's tournament hopes, as it gives them a much-needed Quad 2 win and improves their overall record to 18-7. The Knights' NET ranking is likely to improve, and they could find themselves in the tournament field if they can continue to win. TCU, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as this loss could drop them out of the top 50 in the NET rankings. The Horned Frogs' Quad 1 loss will also hurt their tournament resume, and they must find a way to win on the road if they want to stay in the tournament picture. With 5 games left in the regular season, both teams want to make a push for the tournament, and this game could be a turning point in their respective seasons.
The implications of this game are significant, as it throws a wrench into the tournament seeding picture. UCF's win over TCU, a team that was ranked higher in the NET rankings, is a significant upset, and it will be interesting to see how the selection committee views this Quad 2 win. The Knights' ability to capitalize on TCU's defensive struggles was a key factor in the game, and it will be interesting to see if they can continue to exploit weaknesses in their opponents' defenses. With the tournament picture still taking shape, this game is a reminder that anything can happen in college basketball, and that upsets can occur at any time. The Knights' 18-7 record and Quad 2 win over TCU will certainly make them a team to watch in the coming weeks, and it will be interesting to see if they can continue to make a push for the tournament.