Jan. 7, 2015
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By Jenna Marina
UCFKnights.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team couldn't keep the magic going on Wednesday evening in a 70-66 loss to rival Memphis at CFE Arena, dropping their first conference game of the year.
Once ahead by 11 points early in the second half, UCF (6-8, 2-1) hit a lull that allowed the Tigers (8-7, 2-2) to gain some confidence and make it a game when they claimed their first lead, 54-53, with 9:21 to go. A late 8-0 spurt gave Memphis just enough edge to hold off a rally from the Knights and steal the win.
Sophomore Zykira Lewis led three Knights in double figures with a game-high 22 points, her eighth 20-point outing of the season. Senior forward Brittni Montgomery was a force in the paint with 13 points and 9 rebounds while American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week Aliyah Gregory chipped in 13 points.
UCF took command of the game from the jump after Lewis opened things up with a 3-pointer from the right wing. Whether straight on, wing or baseline -- it didn't matter where Lewis positioned herself behind the arc. She knocked down 3-of-4 early on to help UCF take an 18-10 lead.
Senior Yanique Gordon provided a boost off the bench just before the break with 7 points in the final four minutes for a 38-33 halftime lead.
UCF opened up the second half with 6 unanswered points, all in the paint courtesy of Stephanie Taylor, Gregory and Lewis.
Memphis kept its composure, however, and gradually chipped away at the deficit. The Knights attempted to make the same sort of rally when they faced a 68-61 deficit with 23 seconds remaining.
Ndour laid in a quick basket and Gregory drained a 3-pointer with 4 seconds on the clock, 68-66. She fouled Memphis' leading scorer, Ariel Hearn, to stop the clock, and Hearn was able to knock down both free throws to clinch the win.
The Knights return to the road on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Cincinnati.
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.