Nov. 25, 2005
Final Stats
MORAGA, Calif. - Freshman center Lade Akande scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Butler women's basketball team defeated UCF, 69-57, in first round action at the Hilton Concord Thanksgiving Classic at McKeon Pavilion on Friday night.
The two teams played tight to open the first half. The Golden Knights (1-2), paced by senior forward Shelby Weber's 10 points, jumped ahead 14-10 with just under nine minutes remaining before the Bulldogs (1-1) went on an 11-0 run. The offensive spark allowed them to take a 33-22 lead into the locker room.
BU shot 54.5% (12-for-22) from the field in the first period, while UCF hit 32.4% (11-for-34).
When played resumed after the intermission, the Golden Knights began to chip away at Butler's advantage and came within one on a three-pointer by junior guard Francine Houston at the 10:31 mark. The Bulldogs, however, still remained in control of the scoreboard thanks in part to a pair of threes by junior guard Ellen Hamilton (16 points).
Hitting seven of eight chances from the foul line down the stretch, Butler finished the game on a 13-3 run.
"We didn't follow our game plan and didn't take advantage of our opportunities," said UCF head coach Gail Striegler. "In the second half, when we cut their lead, we couldn't come up with the defensive stops on the other end."
The Golden Knights shot 37.3% (25-for-67) on the evening but allowed BU to hit 46.9% (23-for-49) from the field. Butler also sank 16 of 25 chances from the free throw line, while UCF was 3-for-8. The Golden Knights held a slight 40-38 advantage in rebounding and committed seven fewer turnovers.
Weber recorded her third career double-double as she scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Houston, meanwhile, contributed a team-high 19 points.
UCF awaited the outcome of the tournament's second game, which featured Princeton and host St. Mary's. The Golden Knights will meet the loser on Saturday at a time yet to be determined.