UCF Shocks No. 11 Texas Tech In Space Game Upset

It was a day of celebration, history, and high-flying basketball in Orlando as UCF toppled No. 11 Texas Tech 88-80 at Addition Financial Arena on January 31, 2026. For the Knights, this victory was about more than just another win—it marked their third consecutive Big 12 conference triumph, a feat they had never achieved since joining the league three years ago. The win also sent a message across college basketball: UCF is here to compete with the best.

The game, dubbed the "Space Game," paid homage to UCF's unique roots. Founded in 1963 to support the U.S. space program, the university honored its aerospace legacy by donning light blue "Citronauts" jerseys—an affectionate nod to its original mascot, which blended the region's space ambitions and citrus industry. The atmosphere was electric, with fans packing the arena and the Knights' student section ready to erupt at any moment. And erupt they did—twice! A late foul with 0.2 seconds left forced a brief pause in the celebration, but once the final buzzer sounded, the court was awash with jubilant students for the second time this season.

From the opening tip, UCF showed they meant business. The Knights controlled the glass, snaring 13 offensive boards and converting them into 21 second-chance points—a telling statistic in a game where every possession mattered. The interior presence of John Bol and Jamichael Stillwell proved too much for the Red Raiders, who had been riding a five-game winning streak and boasted victories over other top-15 teams like BYU and Houston.

John Bol, the 7-foot-2 sophomore center from South Sudan, was a force in the paint. He finished with a career-high 14 points and 10 rebounds, notching his second double-double of the season and third straight game with double-digit boards. His impact wasn’t just on the stat sheet. Bol forced Texas Tech’s star JT Toppin—a reigning Big 12 Player of the Year—into multiple traveling violations and made life difficult for the Red Raiders around the rim. Jamichael Stillwell was equally effective, recording his sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive end.

But it was Themus Fulks, the Knights' dynamic point guard, who orchestrated the attack. Fulks poured in 21 points and dished out seven assists, weaving through defenders and hitting a crucial jumper with just a minute to play that gave UCF breathing room. "We stayed composed and stuck to our game plan," Fulks said after the game. "Our energy, especially on the boards, made the difference." Fulks’ leadership was evident, particularly in the second half, as he scored nine of his 21 points and kept the offense humming under pressure.

Jordan Burks provided a steady scoring punch, finishing with 17 points and playing a key role in the first half, where he was perfect from the field and the charity stripe. Chris Johnson contributed seven points, including a thunderous two-handed slam in transition with 25 seconds left that all but sealed the game and sent the crowd into a frenzy. The Knights’ balanced attack saw four players finish in double figures, a testament to their depth and unselfish play.

On the Texas Tech side, JT Toppin did everything he could to keep his team in the fight. The star forward racked up 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting, grabbed 10 rebounds, and notched his 13th double-double of the season—his tenth in the last 12 games. Christian Anderson was also a bright spot, tallying 17 points and nine assists while hitting three triples. The Red Raiders, one of the nation’s top three-point shooting teams, made 11 threes at a 37.9% clip but went cold when it mattered most, missing their final six attempts from beyond the arc.

Despite shooting a blistering 60% from the floor, Texas Tech was outworked in the hustle categories. UCF outrebounded them 35-23 overall and 13-4 on the offensive glass. The Knights turned 17 points off turnovers and held Texas Tech to just four offensive rebounds. UCF’s 21-4 advantage on second-chance points underscored their relentless pursuit of every loose ball and rebound.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with UCF maintaining a slim lead for most of the opening 20 minutes. The Knights closed the half on a hot streak, taking a 44-40 advantage into the locker room—the first time all season Texas Tech trailed an unranked opponent at the break. John Bol briefly exited late in the half with a lower-body injury but returned at the start of the second to continue his dominant play.

Texas Tech managed to keep the game close, never trailing by double digits and repeatedly threatening to retake the lead. With 1:55 left, UCF clung to a two-point edge before rattling off a 7-0 run that put the game out of reach. Even after a late foul on Chris Johnson sent LeJuan Watts to the line for two free throws with 0.2 seconds left, the Knights’ victory was never in serious doubt.

"We knew we had to bring our best effort against a team like Texas Tech," said UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins. "Our guys responded to the moment, and the fans gave us a huge boost. This is what college basketball is all about." The fans certainly agreed, storming the court in scenes reminiscent of UCF’s upset over Kansas earlier in January.

The win improved UCF’s record to 17-4 overall and 6-3 in Big 12 play, putting them squarely in the conversation for an NCAA tournament berth—their first since 2019. It also snapped Texas Tech’s five-game winning streak and dropped the Red Raiders to 16-5 overall and 6-2 in conference play. Since joining the Big 12, UCF is now 3-1 against Texas Tech, including two wins at home.

The Knights’ journey doesn’t get any easier. Next up is a trip to Southeast Texas to face the No. 10 Houston Cougars on February 4, a matchup that promises to test UCF’s newfound momentum. For Texas Tech, a home date with No. 14 Kansas awaits as they look to bounce back from a rare setback.

For now, though, the Knights and their fans can savor a signature win. Whether wearing Citronaut blue or their usual black and gold, UCF proved they’re a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. The Space Game lived up to its name, and the Knights are aiming for even greater heights as the season rolls on.