Nov. 29, 2005
Box Score
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Senior guard Michelle Cozad sank 22 points, including 12 from behind the arc, as host Santa Clara earned an 80-63 win over UCF in women's basketball action on Monday night at the Leavey Center.
The Golden Knights (1-4) started strong on a 13-2 run behind nine points by junior guard Francine Houston. They extended their lead by as much as 14 with under 11 minutes remaining in the half on a jumper by senior forward Shelby Weber before the Broncos (1-3) began to make their own run.
Keeping UCF off the board for four minutes, SCU cut the gap by as much as four points (23-19) then hit a trio of three-pointers to pull ahead 28-23 at 5:09. The Golden Knights staged their own comeback and tied the score at 28 all on a three-pointer by Houston with 3:49 left in the half.
The two teams traded possession of the scoreboard with Santa Clara owning a 38-36 lead at intermission.
The Broncos continued to built on their advantage in the second half thanks to an opening trey by Cozad, but UCF fought back to tie at 45 all just five minutes into the period. Controlling the game by capitalizing on their offensives chances and not allowing the Golden Knights any quality shots, SCU went up by 15 on a 20-4 run.
The trend continued as UCF could only close the gap to eight down the stretch.
After shooting 42.9% (12-for-28) from the field in the first half, the Golden Knights hit 37% in the second. Meanwhile, the Broncos went from shooting 41.9% (13-for-31) to sinking 59.3% (16-for-27). UCF did outrebound its hosts by a 36-32 margin.
Houston finished with a game-high 23 points in the loss, while junior forward Juliana Gomes posted her first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Weber also contributed 11 points.
Next up, UCF visits Florida State for a 2 p.m. tip-off on Dec. 4. The game is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sun Sports.