Jan. 2, 2016
UCF WBB vs. Cincinnati (1-2-16) - Images by UCF Knights
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) -- The UCF women's basketball team battled through its American Athletic Conference season opener with six tied scores and three lead changes, but Cincinnati got the better of the Knights in a 68-50 decision on Saturday afternoon.
Related: Box Score 
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Trailing by just 5 points at halftime, the Knights pulled back within 44-43 with 3:30 to go in the third quarter after Joslyn Massey brought down an offensive board and laid in a bucket, which was followed by a steal from Nyala Shuler and fastbreak layup from Zykira Lewis.
From there, Cincinnati rolled on an 11-0 run through the next five minutes and capped the fourth quarter by outscoring the Knights, 15-7, to steal its first road win of the year.
Lewis posted 12 points and freshman Ashley Polacek added 10 points --- her first double-digit game since Nov. 24.
Junior forward Joslyn Massey recorded a game-high 13 rebounds, just one shy of her career best.
The Knights will get their second look at Cincinnati on Jan. 16 in Ohio.
Second Chances
? The Knights grabbed a season best 26 offensive rebounds, which helped demolish their previous season-best for total rebounds with a new standard of 62.
? UCF capitalized on its production with 22 second-chance points. By comparison, Cincinnati managed just six points.
Up Next
? The Knights make the short trip to rival USF on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
? UCF is 5-20 against USF -- UCF head coach Joi Williams' alma mater.
? UCF guard Aliyah Gregory will return to her hometown where she was an all-state selection and Tampa Bay's top girls' basketball player at Strawberry Crest.
Story by Jenna Marina; Photos by Simone Amaduzzi