Dec. 21, 2010
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By Pat Salvas
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - A total-team effort lifted the UCF women's basketball team to a 33-point win, 92-59, Monday night against Jacksonville at the UCF Arena. It has been just over three years since the Knights last had a scoring output like the one against the Dolphins, going over 90 points for the first time since Dec. 15, 2007.
The contest was highlighted by the career performance of senior guard Jelisa Caldwell (Macon, Ga.) and her 30 points. Caldwell became the first UCF player to score 30 points in a game since March 1, 2008 when Chelsie Wiley (Riviera Beach, Fla.) scored 31 against UAB.
The Knights evened their record at 5-5 with the win, but will have little time to savor the victory as they now must head to Dayton, Ohio, to take on the Wright State Raiders Wednesday at 7 p.m. Wright State is 6-4 this season and coming off a 65-50 win over Cincinnati in its most recent game.
Following the game with the Raiders, the Knights will have a week between games as they will next host Tennessee Tech on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 4:30 p.m.
Season and single-game tickets are on sale now as well with season ticket packages starting at just $39. Fans can purchase tickets online hereor by calling (407) UCF-1000.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 - 7 p.m.
UCF Knights (5-5)
at Wright State Raiders (6-4)
Nutter Center - Dayton, Ohio
Wednesday's Game
The UCF women's basketball team will look to build on the momentum from a huge win Monday night over Jacksonville, 92-59, when they head to play Wright State Wednesday. The Knights evened their record at 5-5 with the 33-point victory over the Dolphins.
Scouting the Raiders
Wright State comes into the game with a 6-4 mark this season. The Raiders defeated Cincinnati, 65-50, in their most recent game. Four players are averaging in double figures with LaShawna Thomas leading the way with 16.7 ppg. Molly Fox is another one of those players averaging in double digits, while she also leads the team with 10.0 rebounds per contest.
Home Sweet Home
UCF is 3-1 in games played at the UCF Arena this season after Monday's victory. The Knights have an average margin of victory of 23.3 in those three wins, while the one loss to Middle Tennessee came by just four points, 77-73.
Making a Statement
Senior Jelisa Caldwell became the first UCF player in almost two years to score 30 points in a game when she did so against the Dolphins. Caldwell eclipsed her previous career high of 20 by the end of the first half with 21 at the break and went on to set new career highs in field goals (12) and field goal attempts (19), while connecting on a season-best three trifectas in the game. Her previous season high was half of her output against JU, scoring 15 against Iona on Nov. 19 on James Madison's court.
Team Means
For the second time in three games and the third time overall this season, UCF had four players in double figures as Aisha Patrick (Rockledge, Fla.) scored 15, while Wiley and Gevenia Carter (Houston, Texas) each finished with 11 points.
90 Usually Means a `W'
The 92 points were the most since scoring 93 against Georgia State on Jan. 9, 1999. The last time the Knights scored 90 points in a game was against Southeastern Louisiana on Dec. 15, 2007, a 22-point win. Like Monday, that was also the 10th game of that season for the Knights.
Freshmen Points
First-year players Aarika Jones (Augusta, Ga.) and Leo Montalvo (Orlando, Fla.) scored their first collegiate points against Jacksonville. Erika Jones (Phenix City, Ala.) was the best freshman on the floor in the game, finishing with eight points and a game-high nine rebounds. Sarah Green (Columbia, Ga.) had just two points, but added four boards.
Grand Theft
The Knights have recorded 13 steals in each of the last two home games. Patrick led the way with three against the Dolphins, and Ashia Kelly (Longview, Texas) and Wiley each recording two in the win.
Margin of Victory
The 33-point win over Jacksonville was the most since defeating Bethune Cookman by 34 last November, 80-46. That game was also the last time the Knights reached the 80-point mark at the UCF Arena.
Boards Galore
Once before this season have the Knights gone over 50 rebounds in a game. UCF pulled down 51 in an overtime loss at James Madison on Nov. 20. The team matched that figure against JU, winning this time by the wide margin. Five UCF players had four or more rebounds in the game with Jones leading the way with nine. The Knights also benefited from 10 team rebounds, including eight at the offensive end of the floor.
Closing in on 100
Head coach Joi Williams is only three wins shy of reaching 100 for her career. Monday's win over JU gives Williams 97 for her career and 43 with UCF, including leading the program to the 2009 Conference USA title.