Full Breakdown
UCF Knights Upset No. 19 BYU Cougars in Dominant Performance
2/25/2026, 1:32:30 PM
Game Overview: UCF vs. BYU
On February 24, 2026, the UCF Knights defeated the No. 19 BYU Cougars 97-84 in a significant upset at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. UCF, which improved its record to 20-7 (9-6 in Big 12 play), never trailed in the game and led by as many as 36 points during the second half. This victory marked UCF's first win over BYU in their history, breaking the Cougars' 16-game home winning streak against unranked opponents.
Key Performers
UCF's Themus Fulks and Jordan Burks each scored 24 points, with Fulks also contributing 11 assists. Jamichael Stillwell added a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. For BYU, freshman AJ Dybantsa led the team with 29 points and eight rebounds, while Robert Wright III scored 20 points. Despite Dybantsa's efforts, BYU struggled offensively, shooting only 41% from the field compared to UCF's 56%.
First Half Dominance
UCF established control early, jumping to a 14-4 lead within the first four minutes. The Knights continued to build their advantage, leading 52-28 at halftime. UCF's shooting was particularly effective, as they hit 11 of 16 three-point attempts in the first half, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Second Half Struggles for BYU
The second half began with UCF launching a 12-0 run, extending their lead to 64-28. BYU's defense faltered, allowing open shots and failing to contain UCF's offensive momentum. Although BYU managed to score 56 points in the second half, much of this came during a late-game surge when the outcome was already decided.
Implications of the Loss
This defeat is particularly concerning for BYU, which now holds a record of 20-8 (8-7 in Big 12 play). The loss could impact their NCAA tournament seeding, as they were previously seen as contenders following a significant win over No. 6 Iowa State just days prior. The Cougars will need to regroup quickly, as they face critical upcoming games against West Virginia and Cincinnati.
Official Statements & Responses
BYU head coach Kevin Young expressed disappointment in his team's performance, stating, “We need to refocus and find a way to respond. This was not the effort we expect.” Meanwhile, UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins praised his team's execution, noting, “We came in with a game plan and executed it well, especially on the offensive end.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of BYU's performance highlighted the team's defensive lapses and inability to adapt during the game. Analysts noted that allowing 97 points at home, especially to a team missing its leading scorer, raises serious concerns about BYU's defensive capabilities as they head into the final stretch of the season.
What's Next for Both Teams
Following this game, UCF will return home to face Baylor, while BYU will embark on a road trip to West Virginia. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the Big 12 standings as the regular season nears its conclusion.
