Babcock Hoops' scouting team covers extensive ground, with scouts strategically positioned across various regions to evaluate NBA prospects nationwide and beyond. Our talent evaluators attend specific matchups in person, developing these reports to establish an initial baseline on players or provide an updated assessment of their development. Unlike comprehensive scouting profiles, these evaluations focus exclusively on a player’s performance in a single game, emphasizing key takeaways and data points gathered from live scouting observations.
Final Score:
Utah 72 – UCF 76
Location:
Orlando, FL
Game Summary
Both teams entered the game with contrasting momentum—UCF was on a seven-game losing streak, while Utah was coming off two major conference wins against Kansas and Kansas State. Utah started strong with a 12-2 lead, but turnovers proved costly as UCF forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 20 points. The Knights also dominated bench scoring, outscoring Utah’s reserves 33-4.
Moustapha Thiam led UCF with an impactful two-way performance, while Deebo Coleman and Tyler Hendricks provided key contributions off the bench. Utah attempted several comeback runs, fueled by Gabe Madsen’s sharp shooting and Ezra Ausar’s interior presence, but UCF’s late-game execution sealed the win. With the game tied at 11 seconds remaining, Darius Johnson capitalized on a ghost screen from Keyshawn Hall, driving uncontested for the game-winning layup with two seconds left.
Key Prospects
Moustapha Thiam
UCF | Center | 7’2” | 235 lbs | Freshman
Thiam showed composure and poise, expanding his game with every appearance. He played aggressively on the boards, securing four offensive rebounds that led to crucial early putbacks. Defensively, he anchored UCF’s paint presence, registering a late-game block to help keep Utah at bay. He also played with control, avoiding unnecessary fouls, a sign of his continued development.
Dallan Coleman
UCF | Guard/Forward | 6'6” | 220 lbs | Senior
Coleman has been coming off the bench lately for the Knights, providing a much-needed spark tonight. Grabbing four offensive rebounds to keep plays alive and hitting an almost back-breaking three-pointer with under three minutes remaining to bump UCF's lead to 6 as the Utes were making a comeback charge. This may be an interesting new wrinkle for the Knights as they head into the end of the season and conference tournament time with Coleman coming off the bench.
Ezra Ausar
Utah | Center | 6'8” | 242 lbs | Junior
Ausar used his physicality effectively, carving out space in the paint and converting 70% of his post opportunities. He also drew contact frequently, going 6-7 from the free-throw line. However, his impact was somewhat limited by four turnovers and foul trouble, reducing his ability to help Utah sustain their offensive rhythm.
Gabe Madsen
Utah | Center | 6'8” | 242 lbs | Junior
Madsen was a dynamic scoring presence, consistently getting open through off-ball movement and screens. His ability to shoot off movement made him difficult to guard, as UCF defenders often got caught going under screens or failing to recover in time. He kept Utah in striking distance throughout the game, finishing with 23 points on an efficient shooting night.
Final Thoughts
UCF’s defensive pressure and bench production proved to be the difference in this closely contested matchup. Utah showed resilience with multiple comeback attempts, but their turnovers and lack of bench scoring ultimately cost them. Moustapha Thiam and Deebo Coleman were instrumental in UCF’s success, while Gabe Madsen and Ezra Ausar carried the offensive load for Utah. The Knights snapped their losing streak in dramatic fashion, executing a well-designed play in the final moments to secure the victory.