LAS VEGAS (AP) - In a thrilling showdown at the inaugural College Basketball Crown, the UCF Knights triumphed over the Cincinnati Bearcats with an 88-80 victory on Thursday night, April 3, 2025. The Knights' senior guard Darius Johnson was the star of the night, leading his team with a remarkable 31 points, including a crucial 8-point run that helped seal the win.
The game, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, was a nail-biter, featuring 14 lead changes and eight ties, showcasing the fierce rivalry between the two teams. UCF entered halftime with a narrow lead of 38-35, but it was in the second half where they truly shined, scoring 50 points and pulling away decisively.
UCF's victory not only puts them in the semifinals but also guarantees the team a cash prize, as they will leave Las Vegas at least $50,000 richer. Johnson's performance was pivotal, as he not only scored but also contributed seven assists, demonstrating his all-around game. His late-game heroics included eight points during a decisive 10-0 run that gave UCF a nine-point lead with just 2:36 left on the clock.
Tyler Hendricks also played a vital role for the Knights, scoring 14 points on 3 of 5 shooting from the field and a stellar 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. Moustapha Thiam added 13 points, going 6 of 9 from the field, and provided a strong presence inside.
On the other side, the Bearcats were led by Day Day Thomas, who scored 19 points, including a season-high five 3-pointers. Dillon Mitchell contributed significantly as well, notching a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, alongside six assists.
Cincinnati's season ends with a record of 19-16, having previously won five straight matchups against UCF in regular-season play. Despite the loss, the Bearcats showed resilience, with Thomas and Mitchell both delivering strong performances. Thomas's ability to hit from beyond the arc kept Cincinnati competitive throughout the game.
UCF's win was marked by their efficient shooting, as they finished the game shooting 47% from the field, including 10 of 30 from three-point range. The Knights committed just eight turnovers, showcasing their discipline and focus on the court.
As the game progressed, UCF built its largest lead at 54-46 with 13:15 remaining. However, Cincinnati fought back with a series of plays, including a pull-up jumper by Rayvon Griffith and an alley-oop dunk from Dan Skillings, which forced a timeout with 11:59 left.
In the end, it was UCF's ability to execute under pressure that made the difference. Johnson's leadership and scoring ability were complemented by his teammates, as the Knights demonstrated a well-rounded attack that kept the Bearcats on their heels.
Looking ahead, UCF will face either Villanova or USC in the semifinals on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 4 p.m. The other semifinal matchup features Nebraska against Boise State at 1 p.m. that same day. The College Basketball Crown has been an exciting new tournament, offering significant prize money, including $300,000 for the champion and $100,000 for the runner-up.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on UCF, as they look to continue their winning momentum and claim the title. With Johnson at the helm and a talented supporting cast, the Knights are poised to make a deep run in this inaugural event.
