Orlando, Florida — Darius Johnson showcased an impressive performance by sinking a career-best eight 3-pointers and scoring a total of 28 points, guiding UCF to an 84-76 win against Milwaukee on Wednesday evening.

Jordan Ivy-Curry contributed to the Knights’ success with 14 points, while Kentrell Pullian led Milwaukee with 15 points. Additionally, Jamichael Stillwell made a notable impact with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Panthers also saw contributions from Themus Fulks, who scored 13 points, and AJ McKee, who added 12 points.

UCF maintained control for a significant portion of the first 10 minutes of the second half, though they never extended their lead past four points. As Milwaukee’s Fulks connected on two 3-pointers, the game tied at 63 with under nine minutes remaining. In response, Johnson rallied for UCF, scoring a two-point jumper followed by two 3-pointers, propelling the Knights to a 71-63 advantage.

The Panthers managed another comeback, narrowing the gap to 73-72 with just over four minutes left in the game. However, UCF’s defense limited Milwaukee to only two field goals thereafter. Johnson secured the game’s momentum with a 3-pointer, pushing the score to 79-72 with two minutes remaining. This also marked UCF’s last field goal attempt, as they strategically closed out the game by making five of six free throws amidst one turnover during the final stretch.

Earlier in the game, Ivy-Curry went on a personal scoring spree, leading a 9-4 run that helped the Knights establish a 28-20 lead halfway through the first half. Although Milwaukee quickly answered with a seven-point surge to get within one point at 28-27, UCF went into halftime ahead 43-40.

Johnson’s shooting from beyond the arc was exceptional, converting 8 out of 10 attempts, while his teammates struggled a bit, combining for just 3 out of 14 from the three-point line. This victory came after UCF returned home from a grueling triple-overtime defeat against LSU on Sunday, marking the beginning of a five-game homestand for the Knights.