ORLANDO, Fla. – Darius Johnson’s clutch layup with just 2.5 seconds remaining lifted UCF to a thrilling 76-72 victory over Utah on Sunday, snapping the Knights’ seven-game losing skid. Keyshawn Hall sealed the win with two free throws after Utah’s last-second turnover.
The victory marked UCF’s first win since January 25, when they defeated TCU. The Knights improved to 13-6 overall and 4-4 in Big 12 play.
Utah briefly held a 49-47 advantage with 11 minutes remaining after a dunk by Mike Sharavjamts, but UCF responded with a dominant 12-0 run. Jordan Ivy-Curry knocked down a pair of free throws, and Johnson added a layup to give the Knights their largest lead of the game at 63-52.
The Utes, however, fought back. Gabe Madsen drained three three-pointers, while Ezra Ausar contributed key baskets to cut the deficit to 65-62. As the game intensified, Dallan Coleman hit a three from the corner, but Utah kept pace with a three-point play from Ausar and a layup by Sharavjamts, bringing the score to 68-67.
With under a minute left, Hall’s inside basket extended UCF’s lead to 72-69, but Madsen responded, sinking a second-chance three-pointer after grabbing his own rebound, tying the game at 72 with 11 seconds left. Johnson then drove through the defense for the decisive layup, and Utah’s miscue on the inbound pass led to Hall’s game-sealing free throws.
Moustapha Thiam led the Knights with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Johnson and Ivy-Curry each added 12. Hall contributed 11 points, and Coleman finished with 10.
Madsen was Utah’s top scorer with 23 points, hitting five three-pointers. Ausar put up 20 points, and Sharavjamts finished with 15.
Next up, Utah (15-12, 7-9) faces No. 19 Arizona on Wednesday.
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