Mandy
The UCF Knights enter their next challenge riding momentum and relief after narrowly escaping with a win last weekend. Now ranked in the AP Top 25, UCF heads back on the road to face a winless Kansas State Wildcats team in Big 12 conference play.
The matchup takes place Wednesday night in Manhattan, Kansas, where both teams are searching for stability early in the league schedule.
UCF Holds Steady After Close Win vs. Cincinnati
UCF avoided consecutive losses on Sunday, January 13, when Cincinnati’s potential game-winning three-pointer bounced harmlessly off the rim at the buzzer. That dramatic 73–72 victory allowed the Knights to maintain their No. 37 NET ranking and improve to 13–2 overall and 2–1 in Big 12 play.
It marked only the eighth win in 25 all-time meetings between UCF and Cincinnati, highlighting just how important the victory was for the program.
This contest also represents UCF’s third-ever trip to Manhattan, where the Knights have yet to secure a win — including their Big 12 men’s basketball debut on January 6, 2024.
Key Contributors Powering the Knights
Veteran point guard Themus Fulks delivered once again, hitting the game-winning basket against Cincinnati while also recording his fourth double-digit assist performance of the season.
Offensively, UCF saw balanced production:
- Riley Kugel led all scorers with 19 points
- Jamichael Stillwell added 15 points
- Jeremy Foumena and Chris Johnson combined for 22 points off the bench
Foumena also grabbed eight rebounds, and his role could expand if starting center John Bol remains sidelined. Bol exited Sunday’s game after playing just 49 seconds in the second half due to an unspecified injury.
Kansas State Searching for First Big 12 Win
Kansas State enters the matchup at 9–7 overall and 0–3 in conference play, having dropped three straight games. However, context matters — two of those losses came against Big 12 powerhouses BYU and Arizona.
Before conference action, the Wildcats earned quality non-league wins over California, Mississippi State, and Creighton. Wednesday’s contest also marks their first home game in 11 days, which could provide a much-needed boost.
Wildcats’ Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Struggles
Similar to UCF’s recent opponent Oklahoma State, Kansas State excels offensively but struggles on defense.
Big 12 statistical rankings:
- 6th in scoring: 86.4 points per game
- 14th in points allowed: 80 points per game
- League leader in shot attempts
- 37.4% shooting from three-point range
Kansas State’s fast pace and perimeter shooting make them dangerous, even during a losing streak.
Players to Watch for Kansas State
The Wildcats’ offense revolves around junior guard P.J. Haggerty, one of the Big 12’s most productive players:
- 22.9 points per game (conference-leading)
- 4.6 assists per game
- 4.9 rebounds per game (team-high tie)
Sharpshooter Abdi Bashir Jr. leads the team from deep with:
- 58 made three-pointers
- 3.6 threes per game
- 45.7% three-point accuracy
Defensively, Nate Johnson stands out as one of just six qualified Big 12 players averaging at least two steals per game.
UCF vs. Kansas State: Game Details
- Date: Wednesday, January 14
- Time: 8:00 p.m. (ET)
- TV Channel: Peacock
- Location: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, Kansas
Prediction Outlook
UCF brings confidence, balance, and momentum into the matchup, while Kansas State offers explosive scoring and home-court urgency. The outcome may hinge on whether the Wildcats can slow down UCF’s backcourt and whether the Knights can defend the three-point line effectively.
This Big 12 showdown features two teams with contrasting strengths. UCF basketball aims to prove its ranking is legitimate by earning a tough road win, while Kansas State looks to snap its conference losing streak behind elite scoring and renewed home energy.
With star guards, fast tempo, and conference stakes involved, this game has all the ingredients for a tight, entertaining battle.