Nov. 20, 2012
Box Score
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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's basketball team put up its largest offensive output to date this season, but it wasn't enough to match No. 6 Louisville's firepower Tuesday night. The Knights (1-4) dropped a 94-73 decision to the Cardinals (4-0) in the opening round of the Hardwood Tournament of Hope at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center.
Freshman Briahanna Jackson led four Knights in double digits with a game-high 21 points for her second 20-point game of the season. Senior Gevenia Carter added 16 points, junior Sara Djassi contributed 12 points and senior Kayli Keough rounded out the group with 11 points.
Louisville had five scorers in double figures, led by Sara Hammond's 15 points.
Playing against their future BIG EAST foe for the first time in program history, the Knights kept it close in the first 10 minutes with flashes of good playmaking. Meghan Keough drained a three-pointer from long range to close the gap, 14-9. Jackson picked off a pass and followed Andrea Hines' missed layup in transition to bring the Knights within 18-13.
The Knights again inched within six points, 21-15, when Djassi dumped a pass to Stephanie Taylor on the block for a quick basket, but the Cardinals kicked it into high gear with a 17-4 run over the next five minutes.
Wade and Wooden Watch Lister Shoni Schimmel banked a baseline buzzer beater to help Louisville close the half with a 55-33 advantage.
The Knights outscored the Cardinals, 40-39, in the second half thanks in part to their performance at the free throw line and from behind the arc. Both Keoughs, Carter and Djassi hit a combined five three-pointers to fuel the offense, and the Knights also posted a solid effort from the free throw line with a 13-of-17 showing.
But Louisville, who has now tallied three-straight 90-point outings, rode out its comfortable lead to remain undefeated on the season.
The Knights will face either Gonzaga or Missouri State in Wednesday's second round matchup at 7 p.m.
Season tickets, which start at only $30, are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.