BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in a 65-30 win over Gardner-Webb in Paul Porter Arena on Friday night.
"Road warriors - that's what we want to be," UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said of her team earning its second straight road victory. "We've got to get these road wins. It's been two good games and really boosts the confidence of our team."
UCF (2-1) held a 12-8 edge after one quarter and led Gardner-Webb (2-2) by 18 points, 29-12, at halftime. The Knights led by as many as 35 points, 58-21, on a pair of free throws from junior Lawriell Wilson with 4:49 left in the game.
Aliyah Gregory came up big for the Knights.
- Senior Aliyah Gregory scored more than half of UCF's points in the first half, tallying 15 of the 29 points.
- The Tampa native finished with a game-high 17 points in 24 minutes of action.
- Gregory made seven field goals, dished out an assist and swiped a pair of steals on the night.
- The guard posted her second straight game with double digits, and is now tied with classmate Fifi Ndour with a team-leading 13.3 points per game on the season.
The defense sparked the offense.
- The Knights held Gardner-Webb to just 30 points in the game, the fewest by a UCF opponent this season.
- UCF forced the Bulldogs into 20 turnovers, converting them into 17 points.
- The Black and Gold finished with 11 steals, marking three straight contests with double digit steals.
- UCF held Gardner-Webb to 10 points or less in all four quarters.
Everybody contributed in the win.
- All 10 Knights that saw action against the Bulldogs finished with at least two points or two rebounds.
- Joining Gregory in double figures was junior Lawriell Wilson, who tallied a season-best 10 points. The Kenner, La., native grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists in 29 minutes of action.
- Freshman Masseny Kaba was just shy of her first career double-double. She pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds and added nine points.
- Redshirt junior Nyala Shuler evenly distributed her eight rebounds, grabbing four on offense and four on defense.
UCF continues its road trip on Sunday, traveling to Virginia Tech. The Knights will tip off against the Hokies at 6:30 p.m.
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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