UCF Secures Fourth Straight Victory with Strong Finish Against Tulsa

Nick Zukauskas • December 16, 2024

Knights Shine in Clutch Moments to Down Golden Hurricane in Orange Bowl Classic Opener

UCF Freshman Center Moustapha Thiam waiting at the free throw line. Mahi Media/Nick Zukauskas

SUNRISE, Fla. – The UCF Knights extended their winning streak to four games, defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 88-75 in the opening matchup of the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at BB&T Arena. Keyshawn Hall’s late-game heroics and a balanced offensive effort lifted the Knights to their eighth win of the season.

Hall, a key contributor in the clutch, scored eight of his 14 points in the final seven minutes, helping UCF (8-2) pull away in a tight contest. Dallan Coleman led the charge for the Knights, delivering a season-high 20 points and nine rebounds, tying his career high. Jordan Ivy-Curry added 16 points, including a pivotal three-pointer with under a minute to play, and dished out four assists.

Tulsa (4-7) kept the game competitive behind standout performances from Keaston Willis and Dwon Odom. Willis was lights out from beyond the arc, hitting 6-of-9 for a team-high 22 points. Odom contributed 20 points and seven assists, consistently keeping the Golden Hurricane within striking distance.

The turning point came with 5:55 remaining, as Odom’s free throws brought Tulsa within two points at 70-68. However, UCF responded decisively. Moustapha Thiam’s block on Odom’s potential game-tying layup led to a fast-break dunk at the other end, sparking a 16-7 closing run. Hall’s poised free-throw shooting and Coleman’s scoring sealed the win for the Knights.

Tulsa Guard's Braeden Carrington and Tyshawn Archie during a timeout. Mahi Media/Nick Zukauskas

UCF showcased superior efficiency, shooting 46.3% from the field and converting 75% of their free throws. Their defense also stepped up in crucial moments, tallying five steals and seven blocks, with Thiam accounting for five of those swats. Despite being out-rebounded 40-27 overall, the Knights capitalized on key possessions and outscored Tulsa 48-35 in the second half. Tulsa struggled to find consistency, shooting 42.1% from the floor and 42.9% from three. While their bench contributed 18 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome UCF’s depth and late-game execution.

The victory provides UCF with momentum heading into their final non-conference matchup before opening Big 12 play against Texas Tech on Dec. 21. Meanwhile, Tulsa will look to regroup as they continue their season, building on strong individual performances by Willis and Odom.

The Orange Bowl Basketball Classic's doubleheader set the stage for an exciting day of hoops, with UCF's commanding finish in the opener leaving fans eager for the nightcap showdown.

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