In a pivotal Big 12 showdown, the No. 25 UCF Knights are set to battle the Cincinnati Bearcats in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday afternoon. This matchup carries significant weight as both teams are determined to rebound from recent setbacks and improve their conference standings. UCF, under the guidance of coach Johnny Dawkins, is looking to regain its winning form after an impressive 11-game streak was recently halted. Meanwhile, Cincinnati, led by coach Wes Miller, is in desperate need of a victory to alleviate growing pressure and turn around a challenging season.
Basketball Rivals Set to Reignite Conference Ambitions in Orlando
On Sunday, January 10, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, the UCF Knights, ranked 25th nationally, will host the Cincinnati Bearcats in a highly anticipated Big 12 conference game. This encounter marks a renewal of an old rivalry, as both teams transitioned together from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 in 2023. The Knights, who had enjoyed a remarkable 11-game winning streak culminating in an upset against then-No. 17 Kansas, recently experienced a tough 87-76 road loss to Oklahoma State on Tuesday. Coach Johnny Dawkins highlighted the difficulties of playing away games, emphasizing the need for his team to be prepared for a 40-minute battle in every environment. During their loss to Oklahoma State, UCF struggled significantly from the field, shooting only 37.5%, including a meager 21.2% from beyond the arc, while their opponents connected on 52.6% of their three-point attempts and 77.1% of their free throws. Riley Kugel leads UCF in scoring with 14.1 points per game, supported by Themus Fulks, who has been instrumental with 13.5 points and 6.6 assists per game. Conversely, Cincinnati enters the game facing considerable adversity. After a promising 4-0 start to their season, the Bearcats have stumbled, losing seven of their last 11 games, including a narrow 62-60 defeat to West Virginia. Coach Wes Miller, in his fifth year, expressed defiance amidst criticism, stating, "It's us against the whole world." Despite their recent struggles, Miller's teams have a historical advantage over UCF, winning five out of their last six meetings. Day Day Thomas is Cincinnati's leading scorer and playmaker with 12.7 points and 3.9 assists, while Baba Miller contributes a double-double average of 12.7 points and 10.9 rebounds.
This upcoming game offers both teams a crucial opportunity. For UCF, it's about demonstrating resilience and proving their national ranking is well-deserved, especially after a road stumble. For Cincinnati, it's a chance to halt their downward spiral, reclaim some pride, and show their coach's fighting spirit on the court. The familiarity between the two programs adds an extra layer of intensity, promising a competitive and engaging contest. The outcome will undoubtedly shape their trajectories in the fiercely contested Big 12 conference.