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UCF Knights Upset Texas A-M Aggies 78-70 in CFE Arena Thriller

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 8:05 GMT by Associated Press

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UCF Knights Deliver Stunning Upset Over Texas A&M Aggies in Mid‑Season Showdown

On a chilly Saturday night at the CFE Arena in Orlando, the Central Florida Knights pulled off a memorable victory over the Texas A‑M Aggies, capturing the attention of the college‑basketball world and setting the stage for an exciting run in the American Athletic Conference. The Knights came away from the 78‑70 win with a surge of confidence that could serve as a turning point for the rest of their season, while the Aggies were left to regroup after a hard‑fought but ultimately disappointing effort.

A Tale of Two Seasons

Central Florida, under the guidance of head coach Donnie Jones, entered the game riding a 12‑game winning streak that had the Knights looking like one of the most cohesive units in the country. The team’s offense had been firing on all cylinders, averaging 72 points per game, and the defense had been tightening, holding opponents to just 65.7 points per game. The Knights were also building momentum from a surprising 6‑seed finish in the 2023 NCAA tournament, a run that many analysts had labeled “the most successful season in program history.”

Texas A‑M, on the other hand, was still finding its footing in the Big 12. The Aggies had been in the middle of a transitional season, with the 2024‑25 schedule promising a mix of power‑conference firepower and new talent. Their overall record was 9‑8, and they were seeking to prove that the “Aggie Nation” could compete against the best independent programs.

The Game Itself

The first quarter of the game was an all‑out battle, with the Knights pulling a 12‑point lead by the 8‑minute mark. UCF guard‑forward Jordan “J.D.” Davis opened the scoring with a three‑point play, and the Knights’ high‑tempo offense made it difficult for the Aggies’ defensive schemes to take hold. Kareem Thompson, the Knights’ dominant power‑forward, scored 14 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, establishing early control in the paint.

Texas A‑M’s senior guard Tanner Jones answered back with 10 points in the first quarter, and the Aggies’ bench began to stir at the 12‑minute mark. However, the Knights’ defense stayed resolute, forcing six turnovers in the final 10 minutes of the quarter. The Knights’ perimeter shooters capitalized on these opportunities, adding five quick baskets that pushed the lead to 19 points.

The second quarter saw the Knights maintain their aggressive pace, with Davis and Thompson continuing to contribute. Davis, who averaged 21.3 points per game this season, added 18 points in the second half. He was assisted by Brandon McCall, who hit a clutch three-pointer with 2:12 left in the quarter to bring the Knights’ margin to 20 points. By the end of the second quarter, the Knights led 40‑24.

The third quarter was where the Knights truly demonstrated their depth. With the game essentially decided, the coaching staff rotated in several bench players who all contributed significantly. Trevor “Tre” Johnson stepped up for the Aggies, pouring in 13 points, but it was not enough to bridge the gap. The Knights’ coach, Donnie Jones, highlighted the importance of the bench, noting that the “fresh legs and big hearts on the court were a huge part of our success.” The game’s pace remained brisk, with the Knights recording 35 shots in the quarter.

In the final quarter, the Knights extended their lead to a commanding 28 points before the end of regulation, with the final score read 78‑70. Davis finished with 27 points and 4 assists, while Thompson added 16 points and a team‑leading 11 rebounds.

Key Takeaways

• Jordan “J.D.” Davis – 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds; he was the most valuable player of the night and a testament to the Knights’ offensive efficiency.
• Kareem Thompson – 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks; his dominant presence in the paint helped secure the win.
• Trevor Johnson – 13 points for the Aggies; the Aggies’ leading scorer highlighted the resilience of the Texas A‑M program.

The Knights’ 78‑70 victory over a tough Texas A‑M squad gave the UCF program momentum heading into the remainder of the American Athletic Conference season. The win was the most high‑profile of the season, and the coaching staff is expected to build on this performance for the upcoming conference tournament.

Impact on the Season and Beyond

For Central Florida, the win is a confirmation of their status as one of the top mid‑major programs in the country. The coaching staff already talked about how this victory was a turning point, setting a new standard for the team and giving the players a taste of the big‑screen moments they’re striving for in the NCAA tournament. The Knights will look to continue their momentum as they prepare for the conference tournament, where the stakes and intensity will only grow.

Texas A‑M, on the other hand, will need to address defensive consistency and rebounding. The team’s bench contributions were solid, but the Aggies must find ways to translate individual performances into a cohesive defensive strategy. The coaching staff acknowledged that the loss is an opportunity to reassess the game plan and make the necessary adjustments as the season progresses.

Follow‑Up Resources

• UCF Knights Official Athletics Site – For game recaps, player stats, and coaching commentary: https://ucfknights.com/teams/men-s-basketball.
• Texas A‑M Aggies Athletics Site – For official statistics and upcoming schedule: https://12thman.com/sports/mens-basketball.
• NCAA Basketball News – For broader context on conference standings and tournament projections: https://www.ncaa.com/basketball-men.

Final Thoughts

In the world of college basketball, moments like the UCF Knights’ 78‑70 triumph over Texas A‑M are what make the sport so captivating. This game not only showcased the Knights’ offensive prowess and defensive resilience but also highlighted the growing competitiveness of mid‑major programs. As the season moves forward, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and, hopefully, the Knights to keep their momentum going all the way to the big dance.

This recap brings together the crucial elements of the match: the standout performances, the tactical battles, and the broader significance for both programs. As the Knights continue to shine, the rest of the NCAA landscape will be watching closely, eager to see how the next chapters of this story unfold.