NCAA Basketball Recap
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: I want the scores from yesterday’s mens NCAA college basketball games. Give me scores, highlights, and top performers.
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports! I'm your host, Dillon, and today we're diving into an exciting December 23, 2025, recap of NCAA men's basketball action. Let's break down the thrilling performances and standout moments from several key matchups.
First, let's talk about the UCLA Bruins, who stormed past UC Riverside with a 97-65 win at home. What a performance by sophomore guard Tyler Bilodeau, who lit up the court with a career-high 34 points. He was unstoppable, firing from everywhere—4-of-7 from three, plus a perfect 6-for-6 on free throws. Bilodeau wasn't alone; Skyy Clark and Trent Perry added 14 points each, with Perry dishing out seven assists. Eric Dailey Jr. also chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds. UCLA's relentless pressure forced 22 turnovers, turning them into 23 points.
Jumping over to Kentucky, the Wildcats took care of business against Bellarmine, winning 99-85. Kam Williams stole the spotlight as a reserve guard, delivering a historic shooting night with 26 points. Williams sank eight three-pointers, becoming the first Kentucky player since 2020 to make that many in a game. His contributions energized the Wildcats, alongside Antonio Reeves and Malik Curry, who ensured Kentucky stayed in control.
Over to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where UCF staged an impressive comeback against Florida Atlantic, winning 85-80. Down by 14 points, the Knights were lifted by Themus Fulks' 24-point, 12-assist masterpiece. Freshman Riley Kugel added critical points and momentum-shifting plays, while John Bol’s double-double anchored UCF's defense and rebounding.
Meanwhile, Ohio State Buckeyes returned to form, overpowering Grambling State 89-63. Sophomore John Mobley Jr. led with 20 points, especially surging in the second half, while Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal added crucial support. The Buckeyes’ strong second-half performance proved too much for the Tigers.
In Florida, the Seminoles easily handled Jacksonville with an 87-63 victory. Martin Somerville sparked their offense with 23 points, complemented by Chauncey Wiggins' sharp shooting. FSU’s commanding run mid-first half set the tone, as Jacksonville couldn't handle their balanced attack.
Then, out in Omaha, Creighton delivered a powerful performance against Utah Tech, securing a 92-69 win. Austin Swartz was on fire, sinking five threes for 19 points. Josh Dix’s all-around gameplay impressed, especially with his defensive contributions. Creighton’s depth and transition scoring were on full display.
Now, it’s time for our ‘Big Dill’ player of the episode! This honor goes to Tyler Bilodeau of UCLA. His career night not only showcased his scoring ability but also set the tone for the Bruins’ dominant victory. Tyler, you are this episode's ‘big dill’!
That wraps up today's episode of Big Dill Sports. Thanks for joining me to recap these exciting NCAA matchups. Stay tuned for more thrilling basketball talk, and remember, in the world of sports, every game can bring a new standout 'big dill.' Catch you next time!
### UCLA Bruins 97, UC Riverside Highlanders 65
The UCLA Bruins dominated the UC Riverside Highlanders in a nonconference matchup at Pauley Pavilion, improving to 10-3 on the season with a resounding 97-65 victory. UCLA broke the game open with a 15-3 run to start the second half, building on a balanced first half that saw the Bruins clinging to a manageable lead. The Bruins forced 22 turnovers and converted them into 23 points, while also scoring 16 points off 11 offensive rebounds to assert control throughout the contest ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/tyler-bilodeau-ucla-overwhelm-uc-riverside--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
Sophomore guard Tyler Bilodeau delivered a career-high 34 points, shooting 4-of-7 from three, 8-of-12 inside the arc, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Bilodeau’s efficiency keyed UCLA’s offensive explosion, as he was supported by fellow underclassmen Skyy Clark and Trent Perry, who each added 14 points; Perry also handed out a game-high seven assists. Senior forward Eric Dailey Jr. chipped in with 13 points and nine rebounds, providing a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Highlanders ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/tyler-bilodeau-ucla-overwhelm-uc-riverside--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
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### Kentucky Wildcats 99, Bellarmine Knights 85
In their lone nonconference contest before SEC play, the Kentucky Wildcats cruised past the Bellarmine Knights, 99-85, behind a historic shooting night from reserve guard Kam Williams. Williams poured in 26 points in just 23 minutes off the bench, sinking 8-of-10 three-pointers to become the first Kentucky player since 2020 to make eight or more threes in a single game, and only the 11th in program history ([aseaofblue.com](https://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball/157736/kam-williams-uk-history-records-3-point-shooting-bellarmine?utm_source=openai)).
Trailing only briefly early, the Wildcats seized control with a flurry of long-range shooting, punctuated by Williams’ barrage. His eight made triples tied for fourth-most in a game at Kentucky, and came after he had totaled just nine threes all season, making this surge all the more remarkable. Coach Mark Pope lauded Williams’ two-way impact, noting his “3-and-D” versatility as vital to Kentucky’s depth. The Wildcats balanced Williams’ outburst with 17 combined points from top sophomore prospects Antonio Reeves and Malik Curry, ensuring no late comeback threats from the Knights ([aseaofblue.com](https://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball/157736/kam-williams-uk-history-records-3-point-shooting-bellarmine?utm_source=openai)).
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### UCF Knights 85, Florida Atlantic Owls 80
At the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the UCF Knights rallied from a 14-point deficit to secure an 85-80 win over Florida Atlantic, extending their winning streak to 10 games and improving to 11-1 overall. The Knights overcame an early Owl surge that saw FAU lead by double digits late in the first half ([thetelegraph.com](https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/fulks-has-24-points-12-assists-to-help-ucf-beat-21259660.php?utm_source=openai)).
Senior guard Themus Fulks led the charge with 24 points and 12 assists, orchestrating UCF’s comeback with clutch playmaking and timely scoring. Freshman Riley Kugel complemented Fulks with 18 points, including a pivotal dunk and free throws down the stretch. Mississippi transfer John Bol collected his first career double-double with 11 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, anchoring the interior on both ends. For FAU, sophomore guard Xander Pintelon tallied 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, and forward Kanaan Carlyle added 15 points and 11 boards, but their efforts fell short as UCF sealed the victory in the final two minutes ([thetelegraph.com](https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/fulks-has-24-points-12-assists-to-help-ucf-beat-21259660.php?utm_source=openai)).
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### Ohio State Buckeyes 89, Grambling State Tigers 63
In Columbus, the Ohio State Buckeyes rebounded from a narrow loss to North Carolina by routing Grambling State, 89-63, to move to 9-3 on the season. After building a comfortable 39-24 halftime lead, OSU unleashed a dominant second half, outscoring the Tigers 50-39 and igniting a decisive 14-0 run capped by three consecutive Buckeye threes ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/ohio-state-posts-strong-second-half-rolls-past-grambling-state--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
Sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. paced the Buckeyes with 20 points, including 15 in the second half on 6-of-10 shooting with four triples, providing the offensive spark. Senior guard Bruce Thornton added 18 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, while junior forward Devin Royal chipped in 16 points. Freshman forward Amare Bynum narrowly missed a double-double, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds, and center Christoph Tilly contributed 10 points. For Grambling State, guard Antonio Munoz led with 19 points, but the Tigers struggled to contain OSU’s athleticism and depth ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/ohio-state-posts-strong-second-half-rolls-past-grambling-state--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
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### Florida State Seminoles 87, Jacksonville Dolphins 63
The Florida State Seminoles secured their first win of the week with an 87-63 nonconference home victory over Jacksonville, improving to 7-6 on the season. FSU seized control with a 23-5 run midway through the first half, fueled by three 3-pointers from sophomore guard Martin Somerville, and never looked back, leading 43-21 at the break ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/florida-state-stifles-jacksonville-easy-home-win--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
Somerville finished with a team-high 23 points, showcasing his shooting range and mid-range scoring prowess. Senior guard Chauncey Wiggins chipped in 16 points, drilling four triples, and Alex Steen contributed a near double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Point guard Robert McCray V orchestrated the offense with 10 assists, controlling tempo and facilitating open looks. Jacksonville’s Chris Lockett Jr. responded with 18 points and seven rebounds, but the Dolphins could not match FSU’s balanced attack and suffocated under pressure defensively ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/florida-state-stifles-jacksonville-easy-home-win--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
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### Creighton Bluejays 92, Utah Tech Trailblazers 69
In Omaha, the Creighton Bluejays extended their season-best win streak to three with a commanding 92-69 victory over Utah Tech, improving to 8-5 overall. Creighton sprinted to a 17-5 lead early and maintained dominance, outscoring the Trailblazers 28-8 in points off turnovers and securing a 34-28 rebounding advantage ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/creighton-romps-utah-tech-third-straight-blowout-win--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
Sophomore guard Austin Swartz led the way with 19 points, drilling five three-pointers to keep the Bluejays’ perimeter attack lethal. Junior guard Josh Dix posted an all-around line of 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a career-high five steals, spearheading Creighton’s defensive pressure. Forward Isaac Traudt added 14 points and eight boards, while freshman guard Jasen Green chipped in 12 points. For Utah Tech, guard Ethan Potter scored 18 points with eight rebounds, and Jusaun Holt added 16 points, but the Trailblazers could not overcome Creighton’s depth and transition scoring ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/creighton-romps-utah-tech-third-straight-blowout-win--flm-2025-12-23/?utm_source=openai)).
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These varied matchups on December 23, 2025, showcased the depth of NCAA men’s basketball, with powerhouse programs demonstrating their offensive firepower and mid-major teams delivering spirited performances. Key players across these games – from Bilodeau’s breakout at UCLA to Fulks’ dual-threat night at UCF – provided compelling storylines as teams prepare for conference play after the holiday break.
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