Jan. 26, 2007
EL PASO, Texas (www.ucfathletics.com) - Despite nine points each from senior guard Celeste Hudson (Altamonte Springs, Fla./Lyman HS) and junior guard Amber Long (Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork HS), UCF fell to UTEP, 69-56, in Conference USA women's basketball action at Don Haskins Center on Friday night.
After allowing the Miners (16-3, 5-2 C-USA) to pull away early, the Golden Knights (6-14, 1-6 C-USA) scored six unanswered points to close the margin to 20-11 at 11:44. A three-pointer by senior Elizabeth Fieser (Norwich, Kan./Norwich HS) at the 7:04 mark sparked a 7-0 run that brought UCF within six before UTEP regained its momentum. The hosts took a 41-22 lead into the locker room at intermission.
UCF displayed a strong offensive attack in the opening minutes of the second half, shooting 42.9% from the floor. Hudson knocked down a pair of three-pointers followed by a quick lay-up from senior forward Keunta Miles (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./South Broward HS).
The Golden Knights continued to hit their shots, sinking 44.4% from the field in the period. In the final five minutes of the game, UCF went on an 11-2 run, but it wasn't enough to overcome the first half deficit.
Led by junior guard Kasia Krezel's game-high 21 points, UTEP finished the night shooting 47.5% from the floor, while UCF hit 38%. The Miners were whistled for 20 fouls and the Golden Knights went 14-of-22 at the foul line. Both teams grabbed 33 rebounds.
The Golden Knights continue their three-game road trip when they travel to Tulane on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. (et).
Tickets for home contests are available by calling (407) UCF-1000. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.