ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team rallied in the fourth quarter, but fell short against Elon, 71-57, in CFE Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
UCF (2-3) jumped out to an early 7-3 lead on a jumper from senior Aliyah Gregory. The Phoenix, who are receiving votes in the USA Today/Coaches Top 25, responded to take a 22-15 advantage into the second quarter. Elon pushed its lead out to 37-24 at halftime.
Gregory pulled the Knights within single digits, 44-35, with 3:50 left in the third quarter, but Elon pushed its advantage back to double figures heading into the fourth.
The Knights opened the final frame on a 7-2 spurt to pull within eight points, 54-46, with 7:20 left in the game. A layup from junior Kayla Thigpen kept it a single-digit lead, 64-55, with 4:05 remaining, but Elon pulled away for the 71-57 victory.
Aliyah Gregory scored a season-high 22 points, and moved into seventh all-time on the UCF scoring list with 1,232 points. Sophomore Korneila Wright chipped in 10. Junior Lawriell Wilson grabbed season-high seven rebounds to lead the Knights, while senior Fifi Ndour and freshman Masseny Kaba each had six boards. Redshirt junior Nyala Shuler finished with a team-leading four steals.
UCF continues its home stand with the UCF Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 25-26. The Knights host IUPUI at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Northern Iowa at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
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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