Nov. 14, 2014
Final Stats
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By Jenna Marina
UCFKnights.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Zykira Lewis' first basket came 1:43 into the UCF women's basketball team's season-opener on Friday morning. Her last one found the bottom of the net with 4:14 to go in the game. And in between, she managed to net 41 points - the second-best scoring output in program history to lift the Knights (1-0) to a dominating victory.
In fact, the sophomore etched her name all over the record book in the 94-74 win. She tied the record for 3-pointers in a game (8); tied for second among best 3-point field goal percentage performances (8-of-10) and tied for eighth for most field goals made in a game (14).
"I just wanted to get the win for my team because we lost to them last year," Lewis said. "I was just really focused before the game. I'm blessed. I thank God for it. I'm just going to get better every day."
UCF's 94 points marked the team's best day on the court since 1998. It was the best season-opening performance since 1988.
UCF's freshmen made their presences known, as well. Aliyah Gregory received a starting nod and posted 10 points while Nyala Shuler came in off the bench to put up 12 points and 7 rebounds in her debut.
Senior Yanique Gordon nearly recorded a double-double with 9 points and a game-high 10 rebounds while senior Andrea Hines dished a career-best 10 assists.
"Overall team effort, I was very pleased. I thought we shared the ball very well offensively. We've got a lot of offensive threats," UCF head coach Joi Williams said. "Zykira's role is to score. She can score in so many ways. She can put it on the floor, she can shoot threes. She's got a good mid-range game. What we challenged Zy to do was to let the game come to her. She didn't force anything. I think all of her shots were very good shots."
Lewis topped her career high in the first half alone with 24 points.
FAU hopped out with the early advantage but the Knights quickly took their first lead thanks to a fastbreak layup from Gregory. UCF extended its lead to 10 when Fifi Ndour found Gordon for a layup, and the Knights' 13-0 run to close out the half put them ahead 51-32 at the break.
UCF never looked back, finishing the game with its best field-goal percentage (.581; 36-62) of the Williams era (since 2007).
The Knights continue their homestand with two games early next week, welcoming Oakland on Monday before Stetson makes the short trek Wednesday. Both games will tip off at 7 p.m.
Fans can get in on the action all year with the "Season Ticket Card," which is on sale now, starting at $30. Tickets are available today by calling (407) UCF-1000 or buying online by clicking here.