Dec. 19, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After playing six-straight games away from home, the UCF women's basketball team is making up for lost time in a hurry, hosting three consecutive home games on its home floor. The Knights play the second of those games Friday at 7 p.m. in the opener of the UCF Holiday Classic against Wake Forest. It will be the second-straight game against an ACC opponent after hosting Miami the previous night.
Knights' fans unable to make it to the game can listen to a live audio internet broadcast beginning at approximately 6:40 p.m. The audio broadcast, through Stretch Audio Internet, can be heard free of charge at http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/multimedia/ucf-wbb-stretch-sched.html. Fans can also access a live video stream via Knights' All-Access.
On Thursday, UCF took a six-point lead into the halftime break against the Hurricanes, but Miami went on a 7-2 and a 7-0 run in the second half to post a 66-59 win. The Knights fell despite 21 offensive rebounds and a career-high 20 points from sophomore Chelsie Wiley.
Turning their attention to Wake Forest (8-0), the Knights will face a Demon Deacon team that is undefeated in 2008-09 and has been defeating its opponents by an average of 28.3 points per game. Mike Peterson's team is led by senior Alex Tchangoe, who is scoring 15.5 per clip. Orlando native Brittany Waters is averaging 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds a game.
Head coach Joi Williams' team is led by Emma Cannon, and the sophomore is averaging a double double with 12.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. She is just 20 points shy of 500 for her career.
KNIGHTS NOTES
? LAST TIME OUT:
UCF led by six at halftime, but visiting Miami rallied for a 66-59 victory over Wake Forest Thursday at UCF Arena. Sophomore Chelsie Wiley scored a career-high 20 points in the loss.
? THE SERIES:
The all-time series between the two schools is even at two wins apiece. UCF has won both meetings played in Orlando while Wake Forest's two wins have come at neutral sites. The last meeting came on Nov. 26, 1994, with the Demon Deacons winning 92-74 in the opener of the Dial Classic. UCF's last win in the series came Jan. 4, 1986, when the Knights won 97-86.
? HOME AT LAST:
The Knights returned home Thursday after 26 days away from UCF Arena, the longest stretch between home contests in terms of game since the same span in 2002-03. The team's last home game was Nov. 22 against Florida A&M. The six-game stretch between home games is the program's longest since an eight-game road trip in 1988-89.
? FINISHING TOUCH:
UCF has led six-straight games at some point during the second half, but the Knights have just one win to show for it. With a 50-point outburst in the second half against Jacksonville, the Knights pulled out their first win, 75-71, during that stretch.
? UCF VS. THE ACC:
UCF is 7-29 all-time against the Atlantic Coast Conference teams. In the program's history, UCF has played six of the 12 current ACC teams. The Knights will look to end a 20-game losing streak, dating back to a 98=90 victory over Florida State on Jan. 18, 1986. UCF plays three games against the league this season, with the last coming Dec. 31 at Florida State.
? COMEBACK KIDS:
In both of UCF's victories this season, the Knights have come back from a significant deficit in the second half. The Knights used a 13-0 run to rally from 10 points down Monday at Jacksonville, and also trailed Florida Atlantic by 10 in the second half.
Season tickets for the UCF women's basketball program are currently on sale through the UCF ticket sales office. For more information about the arena's premium seating options, including club seats, group discounts, courtside tables and suites, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000 or visit the women's basketball ticket page at UCFAthletics.cstv.com/tickets/w-baskbl-tickets.html.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.