Offensive Fireworks: BYU and UCF Set for High-Scoring Showdown in Orlando

When BYU and UCF meet in Orlando on Saturday, expect a scoring clinic. Two of the Big 12’s most explosive offenses will go head-to-head at Addition Financial Arena (2 p.m. MST, ESPN+), where the first team to lock in defensively may walk away with the win.

Firepower on Display

Both teams rank among the top-scoring programs in the conference. BYU (14-6, 5-4) averages 81.0 points per game, while UCF (13-7, 4-5) is close behind at 79.9. The Cougars lead the Big 12 in made three-pointers per game (10.5), with the Knights trailing not far behind (9.1).

“They are as potent of an offensive team as there is in the country,” BYU head coach Kevin Young said of UCF. “They have guys who can really put the ball in the basket. It’s going to come down to whoever decides to play defense first.”

UCF’s offensive success starts with 6-foot-7 junior Keyshawn Hall, who has emerged as one of the conference’s top scorers, averaging 18.0 points per game and a league-best 21.4 in conference play. Senior guard Darius Johnson is another key piece, having torched BYU last season with performances of 18, 20, and 32 points in their three matchups. Jordan Ivy-Curry, a Pacific transfer, rounds out UCF’s offensive trio, contributing 14.5 points per contest.

For BYU, the scoring attack is led by Richie Saunders (15.0 PPG), Egor Demin (11.2), and Trevin Knell (10.1). Saunders has been on a tear, scoring in double figures in six straight games, including a 26-point outing at TCU and 25 points against Colorado.

UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins knows containing Saunders is critical.

“We have to have 10 eyes on him at all times,” Dawkins said. “If you lose him for a second, he’s getting a shot off, and it’s going in.”

Defense Will Decide It

While both teams are known for their offensive prowess, defense will ultimately dictate the outcome. UCF has struggled at times on the defensive glass, an area BYU could exploit with its aggressive offensive rebounding.

“We’ll put our group up against any team in the country in a three-point shooting contest,” Young said. “But defense will be really important in this game, just like every night—especially against a high-powered offense like UCF.”

The Knights will have the advantage of playing at home, where they’ve had success despite an early-season blowout loss to Kansas. They nearly upset No. 6 Houston on their home floor last month, falling just short, 69-68.

For BYU, this game represents another key Quad 1 opportunity after an overtime win against Baylor. The Cougars, currently No. 36 in the NET rankings (compared to UCF’s No. 62), flew to Florida on Thursday to acclimate to the two-hour time difference.

KenPom gives BYU a slight edge, with a 51% chance to win.

Pivotal Stretch Ahead

With a home game against Arizona next week and road trips to Cincinnati and West Virginia on the horizon, BYU understands the importance of gaining momentum. UCF, fresh off a dominant home win over TCU and a tough battle at Kansas, is also looking to climb the standings.

“Our guys need to come out with the mindset that we have to defend our home court,” Dawkins said. “We need our student section and Knight Nation to bring the energy, just like they have all season.”

With both teams jockeying for position in the tightly packed Big 12 standings, Saturday’s contest will be more than just a shootout—it’s a battle for upward mobility in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.