In a thrilling matchup held in Orlando, Florida, UCF showcased a powerful performance, defeating Florida Atlantic with a final score of 100-94. Keyshawn Hall emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly with 26 points, 20 of which came in a stellar second-half performance. Jordan Ivy-Curry and Darius Johnson also played pivotal roles, scoring 22 and 21 points respectively. This victory marks an impressive start to the season for UCF.

The game saw a turning point when Baba Miller scored two consecutive baskets, allowing FAU to take their first lead of the second half at 68-67 with just under ten minutes remaining. However, Hall quickly responded with a three-pointer, igniting an 11-1 run for UCF as they regained control of the match. Notching a three-point play alongside a pair of other notable scores within a minute’s timeframe, Hall pushed the Knights’ lead to 88-77, solidifying their path to victory.

UCF’s ability to maintain composure in the final moments was highlighted by their perfect performance at the free-throw line, making all eight attempts as the clock wound down. Leland Walker led the effort for FAU with 20 points, supported by Caleb Glenn with 17. Baba Miller and KyKy Tandy contributed 14 and 11 points respectively, while Matas Vokietaitis added 10 points in a solid team effort despite the loss.

This win marked a significant milestone for UCF, as it was the first time they scored over 100 points since March 7, 2014, against Houston. Currently holding a 3-0 season record, UCF had already made waves earlier by defeating then-No. 13 Texas A&M. Despite injuries impacting the roster, including leading scorer Jaylin Sellers and four-star recruit Mikey Williams, the Knights have received votes in the latest national rankings, showcasing their resilience.

The match started with Vokietaitis making headlines early, executing two impressive dunks. FAU built an early lead, making four three-pointers and establishing a 19-8 advantage with 13:17 remaining in the first half. However, Ivy-Curry, a seasoned graduate transfer, turned the tide by scoring 15 points in the last nine minutes of the first half, propelling UCF to a 46-36 lead at halftime.