UCF junior forward Jamichael Stillwell proved to be the difference maker as the Knights narrowly defeated the Oakland Golden Grizzlies with a final score of 87-83. Stillwell, known for his rebounding and defensive skills, showed off his shooting touch and recorded his first double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
This win was particularly meaningful for Stillwell, as Oakland had knocked out his former team, Milwaukee, in last season’s Horizon League conference tournament. “This game was personal to me,” Stillwell said. “They kicked us out of the [NCAA] tournament last year, so I came in with an aggressive mindset.”
The Knights, coming off an impressive 86-74 win against Texas A&M, were aware of the challenge they would face against Oakland, who had already played tough opponents such as Purdue, Houston, and Michigan. “We knew going into this game, it was going to be tough and we’re going to compete for forty minutes,” said UCF coach Johnny Dawkins.
UCF got off to a strong start with a 10-2 run, but Oakland quickly caught up with a pair of 3-pointers from Brett White II. The Knights maintained a lead throughout the first half, with senior guard Riley Kugel reaching a milestone moment by scoring his 1,000th career point. However, things got heated towards the end of the half with multiple technical fouls called on both teams.
In the second half, UCF built a double-digit lead but Oakland fought back and tied the game at 70. The Golden Grizzlies even took the lead briefly, but the Knights responded with a 3-pointer from Jordan Burks and a layup from Themus Fulks to regain the lead at 79-74. UCF ultimately held on for the win, with Stillwell leading the team in scoring and Kugel, Burks, and Fulks also reaching double figures.
Oakland had four players in double figures, including Isaac Garrett with 23 points and Brody Robinson with 20. Despite their efforts, the Golden Grizzlies were unable to overcome the Knights’ strong performance.
This win improves UCF’s record to 4-1, with their only loss coming against top-ranked Duke.