Jan. 8, 2006
HOUSTON, Texas - Junior forward Lauren Neaves sank 26 points and pulled down 12 boards as host Rice handed Conference USA rival UCF a 66-52 loss at Autry Court on Sunday afternoon.
After the two teams traded baskets to open the game, the Owls (2-0, 6-8) began to pull away on a 14-4 run and took a 16-6 lead on a three-pointer by senior guard Amber Cunningham at 13:17. Senior guard LaShay King countered with a trey for UCF (2-12, 0-3) two minutes later to in an attempt to spark the Knight offence.
The Golden Knights held the hosts without a field goal for six minutes and cut the deficit to six points (26-20) on a jumper by junior guard Francine Houston. The Owls continued to stay ahead due to their success at the foul line, going 11-for-15 (.733) in the opening period.
Junior guard Krystal Frazier then sank two consecutive treys to jumpstart the Rice attack and the Owls finished the half on a 12-3 run to take a 38-21 advantage at intermission.
After the Golden Knights opened the second half with five unanswered points, Rice added a three by senior guard Amber Cunningham. UCF sophomore guard Amber Long then went on a personal 7-2 run as the Golden Knights sliced the hosts' lead to 43-30.
From there, neither team hit a field goal for five minutes until Rice sophomore Kadie Riverin and UCF senior Shelby Weber each sank a basket around the 11-minute mark. With 6:14 left to play, Weber knocked down two free throws to slice the Owls' advantage to a second-period low 10 (51-41). Rice finished the afternoon with a 15-8 run to insure the victory.
The Owls went 21-for-49 (42.9%) from the field and hit 20 of 26 (76.9%) chances from the charity stripe. UCF, meanwhile, were 19-for-58 (32.8%) from the floor and sank 10 of 18 (55.6%) free throw opportunities. Rice also held a slight 38-35 advantage on the boards.
Weber earned the fourth double-double of the season - sixth of her career - as she poured in team-high 15 points and grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. Long contributed 12 points.
The Golden Knights return home to face Tulane at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 before hosting UTEP on Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. in a game that will be broadcast live by CSTV. UCF is hoping to "Pack the House" against the Miners with special promotions and $1 admission.