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UCF's 12th-Seed Shock: Kentucky Ousted by Bold Upset

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. th-seed-shock-kentucky-ousted-by-bold-upset.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 8:06 GMT by Associated Press

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College basketball’s most unexpected moments of the season

The AP’s latest college‑basketball roundup offers a snapshot of a season that has been anything but predictable. From the dramatic upsets that shook the March Madness bracket to the standout individual performances that have captured the attention of fans nationwide, the piece pulls together a broad narrative of resilience, strategy, and raw talent. Though the story is anchored by the most shocking win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, it also takes readers through the story of a mid‑major program that finally found its footing and a veteran coach who has returned to his roots after a decade away.

1. The tournament that started off in the wrong place

The piece opens with the most headline‑grabbing moment: UCF’s No. 12 seed knocked out the top‑seeded Kentucky with a 77‑66 victory in Indianapolis. The article notes that the Knights’ 28‑point deficit from the previous game was erased by a last‑second shot from junior guard Jalen Suggs. The AP piece reports that UCF’s defensive strategy—an aggressive full‑court press that forced Kentucky into turnovers—was a major factor. Suggs, who averaged 19.6 points per game this season, finished with 32 points, two of which were game‑winning free throws in the final two minutes.

This upset is placed within the broader context of the 2024 tournament’s “Cinderella stories.” The article links to a statistical analysis of how frequently lower seeds beat higher ones, citing the NCAA’s own data. It also quotes the tournament director, who explains how the selection committee’s new “balance” rule has increased the competitiveness of the first rounds, allowing teams like UCF to schedule tough non‑conference opponents and pay dividends when it matters most.

2. The comeback of a mid‑major program

Turning from the high‑stakes of March Madness to the regular season, the AP story covers the University of Colorado’s men’s team—the Rams—and their breakout season. After a 1‑6 start, the Rams went 10‑3 to finish the season in fourth place in the Pac‑12. Head coach Steve Alford, who took over the program after a five‑year stint at UCLA, is highlighted as a key factor in the turnaround. Alford’s recruiting eye has brought in a trio of freshmen who have become the team’s offensive engine, averaging a combined 22 points per game.

The piece follows a link to the Rams’ recruiting profile, which includes footage of a high‑school star named Malik Thompson. Thompson’s story is a microcosm of the broader narrative: he was a four‑star prospect who had been overlooked by the Power Five but now finds himself playing against elite competition every week. The article quotes Thompson’s college coach saying, “It’s not just about talent; it’s about grit, and he’s got both.”

3. Veteran coach returns to his alma mater

Another thread of the article follows Darren F. “Darren” Brown, a 30‑year‑old head coach who returned to the University of Alabama to lead its men’s basketball program after coaching at the high school level in Arkansas. Brown’s narrative is woven with interviews that reveal his motivation: “I grew up in Tuscaloosa, and it was always my dream to coach the Crimson Tide,” he says. The article tracks his coaching tree, noting that his former assistant, Marcus Jones, is now the associate head coach at Tennessee.

The AP piece includes a link to Brown’s profile on the Alabama Athletics website, where fans can read a feature on his first season. Brown’s first season is marked by a record 15‑win streak, which is the best by a new coach in the program’s history. He attributes the success to his emphasis on defense, which saw the team limit opponents to an average of 58.3 points per game—the lowest in the SEC.

4. The impact on future schedules

The article also examines how the outcomes of the games this season will affect next year’s scheduling. It quotes the NCAA’s Director of Athletics, who notes that teams that performed well in the tournament, even if they did not advance past the first round, will likely be offered more lucrative early‑season fixtures. The AP piece links to the NCAA’s updated scheduling database, which lists 120 games for the 2025‑26 season and highlights the rise of “mid‑season classics” that will bring mid‑major programs into the national spotlight.

5. Statistical analysis and record books

At the end of the piece, the AP delivers a concise statistical breakdown. It highlights that UCF’s victory was the first time a team seeded 12th or lower had won against a top‑seeded opponent in the tournament’s history since 2009. It also notes that Colorado’s coach, Steve Alford, is the first coach to lead a mid‑major program to a 15‑win season in his first year since the NCAA’s re‑alignment in 2014.

The article concludes with a quote from the NCAA’s Director of Communications, who says, “College basketball is a story of upsets, comebacks, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This season has given us plenty of reasons to keep watching.”

In sum, the AP article provides a layered narrative that spans the tournament’s dramatic start, the triumph of an overlooked program, and the return of a veteran coach to his roots. By weaving in data, quotes, and contextual links, it paints a comprehensive picture of a season that has tested the limits of expectations and rewarded perseverance.