Big 12 slaps UCF with $25,000 fine over breaking "sportsmanship" rules after upsetting No. 3 Kansas

The UCF Knights pulled off a historic 65-60 upset victory over No. 3 Kansas on Wednesday, the program’s first-ever Big 12 win. However, the conference announced it is fining UCF $25,000 due to fans storming the court and compromising safety.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed the situation in a statement:

"Ensuring a safe environment for all players, coaches, officials and support staff is paramount. Although well intended, the UCF event management policy did not provide for the protection of the visiting team and game officials to safely exit the court."

The scenes were pure chaos after the final buzzer as fans flooded onto the hardwood at Addition Financial Arena in jubilation over beating basketball royalty.

Shots showed ecstatic students jumping up and down and shouting in celebration alongside coach Johnny Dawkins.

This was UCF’s first-ever home Big 12 game after moving from the AAC this season. They got blown out by Kansas State in their conference opener. Now at 10-4, their program-defining win over Kansas will go down in history.

The Commissioner’s statement indicates UCF likely did not have protocols in place to give Kansas and the referees safe passage off the court. As exhilarating as the impromptu celebration was, the school faces a steep fine for the lack of security.

While fans were caught up in the emotion, storming the court compromised principles of sportsmanship and fairness by endangering the opponent.

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Stifling defense leads UCF to statement win over Kansas

The UCF Knights authored the triumph over Kansas behind a masterful defensive performance, especially against Jayhawks’ star Hunter Dickinson. The senior center entered averaging 19.4 points and 12.4 rebounds but was held to just 12 points and four boards by CJ Walker and Ibrahima Diallo.

UCF’s fierce defense forced Kansas into 18 turnovers and an off night from the floor. The Jayhawks shot just 33% overall and 6-18 from three-point range, clearly bothered by the Knights’ perimeter pressure. Kansas also earned just 11 free throw attempts, making six, another indicator of UCF’s disciplined defense.

By contrast, UCF found just enough offense, led by Jaylin Sellers’ 18 points. But this victory will be remembered for locking down one of college basketball’s most potent attacks.