Despite a strong start, the host Knights struggled to score points in the second half and lost 69-68 to the Cougars.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — J’Wan Roberts made a go-ahead layup with 1.1 seconds left to lift No. 10 Houston to a 69-68 win over UCF on Saturday. Roberts powered his way to the basket off an inbounds pass, beating UCF’s shot blockers to the rim. The Knights were unable to get off a final shot attempt.

No. 10 Houston survives UCF 69-68 in an exciting back-and-forth battle to win its 10th game in a row.

UCF basketball had a chance to make a massive statement. A win over a top-10 program at home in late January would have gone far in helping make the case for the Knights to earn a possible spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

The UCF Knights turned the ball over 19 times and trailed by 18 at halftime to the No. 3 team in the country Tuesday. Iowa State cruised at home.