Jan. 12, 2012
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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UCFAthletics.com) - Senior guard Aisha Patrick joined the 1,000-point club on Thursday night in UCF's 61-54 loss to UAB at Bartow Arena. Patrick became the 15th student-athlete in UCF history reach the milestone when she banked a jumper in the lane at 17:42 in the first half of the 105th game of her career.
UCF's attempt of a spirited comeback late in the game could not overcome the Knights' bleak shooting percentage for the majority of the second half.
Heading into the final 3:24 of the game, UCF was 2-of-16 for the field, but the Knights wouldn't give up without a fight as they cut the deficit from 15 to nine points with 2:21 to go. UCF closed out the game by sinking six of its final 12 shots, including a jumper by Patrick at the buzzer to rest the score at 61-54.
Patrick paced UCF (6-9, 1-2 C-USA) with 18 points, and forward Kayli Keough added 12 points while sophomore Erika Jones recorded a game-high 13 rebounds. The Blazers (12-3, 3-0 C-USA) were led by LaShaunda Pratt's game-high 23 points.
UCF attacked early to take a 10-4 lead in the opening minutes, but UAB outscored the Knights 14-3 before Gevenia Carter drained a three from the top of the key to bring the game to a single possession, 18-16, with 6:25 to go.
The rest of the period featured four lead changes and two tie scores, and the Blazers entered halftime with a 28-26 edge after Karisma Chapman chipped in a layup 12 seconds prior to the break.
The Blazers came out on an 8-1 run and extended their lead to 15-points at 8:30 to go thanks to a 3-pointer from Pratt. UAB enjoyed a comfortable lead until UCF's push at the end, but in an effort to stop the clock, the Knights were forced to foul and Pratt closed out the final two minutes with a 9-of-10 showing from the free throw line.
Up next, the Knights will host their UKnight for Education game Sunday at 2 p.m. against Southern Miss. All elementary and middle school students with a special UKnight for Education bookmark will receive two free tickets to the game. Bookmarks will be available at the doors of UCF Arena on game day.