UCLA Advances to Round of 32 After UCF Center Scores on Own Basket

UCLA defeated UCF 75-71 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night, a game that included a bizarre own-goal by UCF center John Bol. The Bruins will now face UConn in the Round of 32 on Sunday.

Bol’s Unfortunate Play

With just under two minutes remaining in the first half, UCF center John Bol accidentally tipped a missed 3-pointer by UCLA’s Donovan Dent into his own basket, extending UCLA’s lead to 35-21. The play proved costly for the Knights.

Game Recap

Eric Dailey Jr. Led UCLA with 20 points and five rebounds, while Trent Perry and Xavier Booker each added 15 points. UCLA overcame a determined UCF team, securing the 75-71 victory.

Jordan Burks led UCF with 22 points and six rebounds. Jamichael Stillwell and Riley Kugel also scored in double figures for the Knights, with 10 and 13 points respectively. UCF struggled with free-throw shooting, going 5-for-16 from the line.

Other Notable Events

UCLA guard Skyy Clark lost a tooth during the game, but remained in the contest.

Next Up for UCLA

UCLA will play No. 2 seed UConn in the Round of 32 on Sunday at 8:45 p.m. ET.

About John Bol

John Bol is a 7-foot-2 sophomore center for UCF, originally from Boma, South Sudan. He previously played for Ole Miss. Bol appeared in 17 games for Ole Miss during the 2024-25 season, averaging 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds.