Jan. 29, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After playing just two of its first six Conference USA games on its home court, the UCF women's basketball team kicks off a four-game homestand Thursday night against East Carolina at 7 p.m. at UCF Arena. The Knights have had success in the first two league games played at UCF Arena, going 2-0 with an average margin of victory of 15.5 points.
Things will not be easy on the homestand, beginning with a challenging matchup against East Carolina. The Pirates enter after sweeping a pair of home games last week, but they have struggled on the road this season, losing all three C-USA games and five of seven overall away from home.
The Knights will look to bounce back after their worst effort in conference play on Sunday in an 80-65 loss at Houston. UCF dug a hole after turning the ball over 16 times in the first half and never recovered despite getting a season-high 19 points from Amber Kirkpatrick (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and another double-double from sophomore Emma Cannon (Rochester, N.Y.).
The double-double was Cannon's ninth of the season and 21st of her career as she continues to lead UCF in both scoring (15.0) and rebounding (10.4).
ECU defeated UAB last Saturday 70-64, with a balanced attack netting five Pirates in double figures. Leading scorer LaCoya Terry scored 13 points in the win while reigning C-USA Rookie of the Week Jean Best matched Terry's total with 13 of her own.
KNIGHTS NOTES
? INSIDE THE SERIES:
Marshall has won each of the previous six meetings against UCF, including the three played at UCF Arena. The Pirates won 80-66 in Orlando and 78-69 in Greenville, N.C., last season. D'Nay Daniels (Atlanta, Ga.) scored 20 points in the teams' last meeting, on the road Feb. 17, 2008.
? AHEAD OF THE PAST:
With its 77-52 win over Rice last Thursday, UCF surpassed its conference win total from each of the previous two seasons. With its best start since joining the league in 2005-06, UCF is just one win away from tying the mark for most wins in C-USA play.
? RECORD MARGIN:
The 25-point margin of victory over Rice was UCF's largest win in a conference game since joining C-USA. The previous mark was also against Rice, a 68-49 victory in Houston a season ago.
? AMONG THE NATION'S BEST:
Cannon is currently ranked in the top-30 nationally in a couple of major statistical categories. She is 15th nationally in rebounds per game (10.4) and ninth in the country in offensive rebounds per game (4.9).
? WHAT LEARNING CURVE?:
Aisha Patrick (Rockledge, Fla.) has not shown any signs of being a freshman in C-USA play, averaging 11.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.2 steals per game.
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.