Feb. 15, 2007
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Senior guard Francine Houston (Bradenton, Fla./Southeast HS) scored a team-high 20 points, including 17 in the second half, as the UCF women's basketball team dropped a 58-44 decision at UAB in Conference USA action on Thursday night.
In addition to Houston's effort, junior guard Amber Long (Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork HS) recorded the first double-double of her career with 10 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Upon returning from intermission down, 34-15, the Golden Knights (8-18, 3-10 C-USA) shot 40% from the field in the opening five minutes of the second period and outscored UAB, 14-5. The Golden Knights continued to close the gap thanks to the efforts of freshman forward Randall Hurst (West Bloomfield, Mich./West Bloomfield HS), Long and Houston.
A lay-up by Houston brought UCF within four at 11:29. With the score 44-40, the Blazers (15-10, 10-3 C-USA) finished the night on a 14-0 run.
After a slow offensive start by both teams, Houston knocked down a three-pointer at 17:33. The Blazers took control just over 30 seconds later and scored 18 unanswered points.
Senior guard Carmen Guzman finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while junior forward Diamond Rogers added 15. Hurst contributed an additional six points for UCF.
The Golden Knights continue their road trip at Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 17 before concluding the regular season at home against Marshall on Thursday, Feb. 22 and East Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 24. 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.