Unranked Teams Stun Top College Basketball Programs in Historic Upsets
By Matt Coleman
Published January 11, 2024
UCF coach Johnny Dawkins and his team staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a 65-60 victory over the third-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. The win marked a significant milestone for UCF, as it ended an eight-game losing streak against ranked opponents. However, the game also etched its place in college basketball history for a different reason.
Historic Upsets in College Basketball
In a rare turn of events, the top three teams in the Associated Press poll all suffered defeats at the hands of unranked opponents within a span of just two days. This unprecedented occurrence, which last happened 20 years ago, made headlines across the basketball world. The Jayhawks' loss to UCF was preceded by Purdue's defeat at the hands of Nebraska and Houston's upset by Iowa State. The trend continued as the fifth-ranked Tennessee also succumbed to a loss against Mississippi State.
Unprecedented Top-Five Upsets
The string of upsets resulted in a historic first for the Associated Press poll, as it marked the first time in the poll's history that four top-five teams were defeated by unranked opponents within a two-day timeframe. These shocking results sent ripples through the college basketball landscape, leaving fans and analysts in awe of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Dawkins' Strategy and Team Performance
Dawkins attributed the remarkable victory to his team's unwavering belief and resilience. Despite facing a daunting 16-point deficit in the first half, UCF displayed remarkable determination and strategic acumen to turn the tide in their favor. Employing a tactical shift to a zone defense in the second half, UCF managed to stifle the Jayhawks' offensive prowess, limiting their field goal and three-point shooting percentages.
Key Contributors and Supportive Crowd
Several standout performances from UCF players, including Ibrahima Diallo, Jaylin Sellers, and Darius Johnson, played a pivotal role in securing the historic upset. The sellout crowd at Addition Financial Arena, comprising 10,000 enthusiastic fans, further bolstered UCF's spirited performance. Dawkins acknowledged the electric atmosphere in the arena, emphasizing the community's unwavering support as a driving force behind the team's triumph.
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