ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — J’Wan Roberts sealed a thrilling victory for No. 10 Houston as he sank a decisive layup with just 1.1 seconds remaining, edging out UCF 69-68 in a fiercely contested matchup on Saturday. Roberts displayed his determination as he muscled his way to the basket off an inbound pass, eluding UCF’s defenders to secure the crucial points. The Knights were unable to muster a final shot attempt in the closing seconds of the game.
Roberts delivered a stellar performance, scoring 17 of his 21 points in the second half. His efficient shooting, going 10 for 17 from the field, coupled with nine rebounds, proved instrumental in Houston’s narrow victory. Ja’Vier Francis also made a significant contribution with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Houston (14-3, 6-0 Big 12), who had trailed 38-30 at halftime.
UCF’s Moustapha Thiam, a towering 7-foot-2 center, showcased his skills with 18 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Jordan Ivy-Curry added 14 points for the Knights (12-5, 3-3), while Darius Johnson chipped in with 13 points.
The game’s intensity peaked when Keyshawn Hall of UCF drove to the basket with just nine seconds remaining, scoring over two defenders to briefly put the Knights in the lead. Despite Hall’s efforts, who had scored an impressive 40 points in UCF’s recent victory over Arizona State, he struggled in this game, managing just six points on 2-for-12 shooting.
Houston demonstrated their resilience by mounting a comeback in the second half, securing their 10th consecutive win and maintaining an unblemished record in the Big 12. On the other hand, UCF finds themselves on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament spot, in search of a signature win to bolster their resume.
A pivotal moment in the game came early in the second half when Houston embarked on a 7-0 run to snatch the lead at 41-40 with 14:39 remaining. This surge provided the Cougars with momentum and confidence, setting the stage for their eventual triumph on the road.
Despite facing challenges posed by Thiam’s defensive presence, Houston remained undeterred, relentlessly attacking the offensive glass. Their ferocious effort paid off as they secured 18 offensive rebounds and outscored UCF 48-26 in the paint, underscoring their determination and tenacity.
Looking ahead, Houston will return home to square off against Utah on Tuesday, while UCF is set to travel to Ames, Iowa, for a showdown against the formidable No. 2 Iowa State team on the same day.
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