Feb. 17, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Despite a game-high 26 points from senior guard Francine Houston (Bradenton, Fla./Southeast HS), UCF dropped an 80-73 decision to host Memphis in Conference USA women's basketball action at Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon.
It was a career night for Houston, who scored the 1,000th point of her career. She also tied her own school record for three-pointers in a game as she knocked down eight. She was one of four Golden Knights to score in double digits. Senior Keunta Miles (Fort Lauderdale), junior Amber Long (Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork HS) and freshman guard Shante Cummings (Philadelphia, Pa./Neumann-Goretti HS) each contributed 12 points.
Offensively, both teams struggled in the open minutes then traded baskets until Houston hit a three-pointer at 15:15. Despite the Golden Knights (8-19, 3-11 C-USA) efforts to retain the lead, a pair of threes by junior forward Aroha Jennings sparked a 21-4 run by the Tigers (4-24, 1-13 C-USA). UCF outscored the hosts 18-12 in the final minutes of the first half, but Memphis remained on top, 41-33, at the intermission.
The Golden Knights' momentum continued into the second as they went on an 11-5 run. In the midst of the offensive explosion, Houston sank her fifth three-pointer of the afternoon at 17:26, giving her the 1,000th point of her career. She is the 11th UCF player to achieve the milestone, joining senior guard Celeste Hudson (Altamonte Springs, Fla./Lyman HS), who scored her 1,000th point at Tulane on Jan. 28.
With the help of Houston's heroics, UCF closed the gap to 51-48 with 13 minutes remaining but Memphis regained control and pulled away by as much as 13 four different times. Houston's eighth three-pointer brought the Golden Knights within six points with just under two minutes left but they couldn't complete the comeback.
For the Tigers, sophomore forward Ashley Thornton finished the afternoon with a team-high 16 points, while Jennings added 15.
The Golden Knights conclude the regular season at home, beginning with conference rival Marshall on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in a game that is scheduled to be broadcast same day, tape delay by CSTV at 10 p.m. UCF plays its finale and celebrates Senior Day against East Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
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