Dec. 14, 2014
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By Jenna Marina
UCFKnights.com
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team's rally came up short on Sunday afternoon, ultimately falling at Iona 75-67.
Once trailing by 18 points in the second half, the Knights dug in and managed to cut it to eight with 5:42 to play. But they would get no further as costly turnovers that the Gaels turned into timely points let Iona escape with the win.
Senior forward Brittni Montgomery recorded her third double-double of the year, bringing down a career-high 24 rebounds to go with her 18 points. Montgomery's performance on the glass tied her own school record, which she shares with former Knight Erika Jones.
Sophomore Zykira Lewis notched her fifth game of 20 points this year, leading UCF with 26.
With the score tied at 8 points, the teams exchanged one field goal apiece during the next six minutes - a 3-pointer from Robinson and a running jumper from UCF's Jordan Jackson.
Midway through the first 20 minutes, the Gaels enjoyed a 14-2 run that senior guard Andrea Hines snapped with a trey from the top of the key, 30-19, with 5:41 to go.
Lewis started to generate momentum for the Knights just before the break when she drained a jumper and two 3-pointers to inch the gap, 33-29. But Iona's Marina Lizarazu's persistence in the final 10 seconds renewed life in her team.
The sophomore drew a foul and was sent to the line where she converted the first but missed the second. The Gaels wound up with the rebound and worked the ball back to Lizarazu, who was again fouled but this time on a made layup. Her four points in the final 10 seconds gave Iona a 37-29 advantage at the break.
The Gaels broke away in the second half as their leading scorer Damika Martinez took over with 12 consecutive points for a 56-39 lead.
After Lizarazu's 3-pointer with 7:50 remaining, the Knights funneled their offensive efforts through the post, making Montgomery responsible for their 8-0 spurt to cut it to 64-56.
Following a minute lull, Martinez converted a jumper, and the Gaels came up with two steals on the Knights' following possessions that they exchanged for easy points and breathing room to cruise the rest of the way.
UCF will play its final home game of the New Year against Akron at 4:30 p.m. in its second doubleheader of 2014 with the men's program on Dec. 17.
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.