Feb. 21, 2013
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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
HOUSTON, Texas (UCFAthletics.com) - A slow start to the second half derailed the UCF women's basketball team from its season-best four-game win streak on Thursday night as the Knights fell to Rice, 66-49.
UCF (11-15, 5-7) struggled to find a rhythm through a 6-minute drought while Rice (11-14, 3-9) could do anything but miss with a 20-2 run for a hefty lead that was simply too large to overcome.
Senior Gevenia Carter shined in front of her hometown crowd with a game-high 17 points, five rebounds and five steals. Freshman Briahanna Jackson added 13 points and Erika Jones grabbed a team-high seven rebounds to go along with 8 points.
Despite a nearly 7-minute dry spell during the first half, the Knights kept the score close trailing by no more than four points in the first 20 minutes. After six lead changes, UCF gained the upper hand when Carter stripped Reem Moussa of the ball in front of the Knights' bench, dribbled down the floor to just inside the paint, took it around-the-back and laid it in as she was fouled.
She swished the bonus free throw and Sara Djassi closed out the half with two free throws on the next possession for a 23-20 advantage.
The Knights seemed poised to continue to extend their lead when Jones opened with a jumper to give UCF its largest edge, 25-20. However, Rice pulled away thanks to a 72.7 percent (16-of-22) showing from the field.
Jackson trimmed the deficit to 51-41 with 5:23 remaining when she sank a 3-pointer, but Rice quickly netted 7-unanswered points, and the Owls never looked back.
The Knights return to Orlando for Sunday's 2 p.m. matchup against East Carolina on Alumni Day. Tickets are currently available by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.