ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's basketball team used a dominant second half to earn a 58-57 win over the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Maclellan Gym on Monday night.
"A lot of grit, a lot of toughness and a lot of fight," UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said of her team following the victory. "It was a lot of the things we didn't have in our first game. It was really awesome to see. It started with (Korneila Wright) and ended with (Aliyah Gregory and Zakiya Saunders.) They really fought hard. (Fifi Ndour and Nyala Shuler) played great defense the whole game. The tenacity on defense was awesome."
The Knights outscored the Mocs 36-22 in the second half.
- After falling behind 35-22 lead into halftime, UCF opened the third quarter on a 10-0 run to cut the edge to three, 35-32 with 6:51 remaining in the frame.
- The Black and Gold went on to outscore UTC 21-11 in the third quarter, making it a three-point game, 46-43, on a jumper from redshirt senior Zakiya Saunders heading into the final quarter.
- Senior Aliyah Gregory pushed UCF in front with 4:18 remaining in the game, ripping the ball away on defense for the fastbreak layup.
- The Tampa native gave the Knights the lead for good on a similar play with 34 seconds remaining to secure UCF's first win of the season.
The defense sparked the offense.
- UCF had a season-high 18 steals and forced UTC into 25 turnovers in the game.
- The Knights scored 25 points off turnovers in the game, including six fastbreak points.
- Sophomore Korneila Wright secured the win for the Black and Gold, swiping the ball from Mocs with seven seconds remaining in the game and a one-point advantage.
- Seven of the nine Knights that saw action finished with at least one steal.
The Knights spread the offense.
- Four Knights scored in double figures, led by Aliyah Gregory's 19 points.
- Zakiya Saunders added a season-high 12 points and tallied five steals.
- Senior Fifi Ndour scored in double figures for the second straight game, finishing with 10 points.
- Korneila Wright chipped in a season-high 10 points.
UCF continues its road stretch at Gardner-Webb on Nov. 17. The Knights make a trip to Virginia Tech on Nov. 19.
SEASON TICKETS
The UCF women's basketball team is set for its second season under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. Season tickets are on sale now for $40. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
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