The first upset of the 2024-25 NCAA DI college basketball season has arrived, sooner than many expected. The UCF Knights handed No. 13 Texas A&M their first loss, with the home team clinching a 64-61 victory.
The first quarter was a complete thriller, ending in a 29-29 tie. The Aggies initially took control with a 6-0 run in the first four minutes, and at one point led by as much as 10 points (19-9). However, the Knights gradually chipped away at the lead, ultimately closing the quarter with a hard-earned tie.
The second quarter started in epic fashion for the Knights with a three-pointer from Darius Johnson, putting them ahead 32-29 over the Aggies. The visitors regained the lead at 18:48 and held onto it until the final 45 seconds, when the game stood at 61-60. That’s when the Knights scored four more points to secure the win.
This is a big victory for the Knights, who now hold a solid position within the Big 12, alongside other top 25-ranked teams in the conference like Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, and Kansas, who also won their opening-day games.
Johnny Dawkins Praises Team’s Performance
Head coach Johnny Dawkins, speaking at the postgame press conference, said that facing a team like the Aggies in the season opener was a great test for the Knights, especially with 11 new players showing composure on the court. “I thought the moment wasn’t too big for them, and they beat a really good basketball team, a well-coached team who I have a lot of respect for. I’m really proud of our guys.”
When is the Next Game for the UCF Knights?
According to the official schedule, the Knights will play at home again on November 8, facing Purdue Fort Wayne in what could be a relatively easy matchup ahead of their third game of the season against Florida Atlantic on November 12.
