Darius Johnson leads UCF to victory with 28 points and eight 3-pointers

On November 27, 2024, UCF (University of Central Florida) secured an 84-76 victory over Milwaukee in Orlando, Florida. The game showcased Darius Johnson's impressive performance, where he scored a career-high 28 points, including eight 3-pointers, which were crucial in leading his team to victory. UCF was coming off a tough triple-overtime loss to LSU just days prior, and this win marked a much-needed return to form for the Knights. Johnson's contributions were vital as they faced a resilient Milwaukee team that fought hard to stay close throughout the match. UCF maintained a slim lead throughout much of the game, managing not to let the advantage slip away despite Milwaukee's strong rallies. The first half saw UCF establish an early lead with contribution from Jordan Ivy-Curry, who scored 14 points, and a solid overall team effort displayed in a tightly contested match. The Knights held a 43-40 lead at halftime. However, Milwaukee's players, including Kentrell Pullian and Jamichael Stillwell, kept pushing back, with Pullian scoring 15 points and Stillwell gathering 14 points and 12 rebounds. Milwaukee’s Themus Fulks also made significant contributions with 13 points. During the second half, tensions rose as teams exchanged leads, and with less than nine minutes left, Milwaukee tied the game at 63. Johnson responded with a jumper and two consecutive 3-pointers, pushing UCF’s lead to 71-63. However, once again, the Panthers tried to close the gap, reducing the score to 73-72 with just over four minutes remaining. Still, UCF's defense tightened, holding Milwaukee to only two field goals for the remainder of the game. Johnson capped off his stellar performance with a crucial 3-pointer that extended UCF's lead to 79-72 with two minutes left on the clock. In the final stretch of the match, UCF successfully managed the clock, making 5 of their 6 free throw attempts while facing a single turnover. The Knights were able to secure the finish of the game after a high-scoring and competitive encounter, maintaining the momentum and anticipation for the next matches as they prepared for a series of games in their home state. This victory not only helped to regain confidence for UCF after their previous loss but also highlighted the skill and potential of Darius Johnson as a key player for the Knights this season.