ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's basketball team collected its second win in as many days with a 53-43 victory over Northern Iowa in the UCF Thanksgiving Classic in CFE Arena on Sunday afternoon.
"Everybody got to play today, which for (my coaching staff and I), that's really big," UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. "Everybody's getting experience in a high-level game early in November. That's really awesome to see."
UCF (4-3) scored less than two minutes into the game, taking a 2-0 lead at the 8:39 mark. The Knights never looked back, holding the lead for more than 38 minutes of play to top the Panthers.
Senior Aliyah Gregory posted a game-high 16 points, while redshirt junior Nyala Shuler grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds. Sophomore Korneila Wright's defensive efforts were on display once again, as she recorded a game-high four steals. The Orlando native also dished out a game-high six assists.
Nyala Shuler stepped up on the boards.
- Redshirt junior Nyala Shuler has stepped up her rebounding game this season.
- The Orlando native pulled down a season-high 11 boards, including five on the offensive glass, against the Panthers.
- Shuler finished one shy of her career-high in rebounds (12 against SMU on Feb. 20, 2016).
- She now leads the team with an average of 6.1 boards per game.
The victory was a total team effort.
- A total of 10 Knights saw action in the win over UNI. Nine Knights finished with at least one point, while seven pulled down at least one rebound.
- Freshman Ruona Uwusiaba went 2-for-2 for her first collegiate points. She finished with four in six minutes of action.
- Junior Jamesha Paul came off the bench to spark the Knights. In the third quarter, she completed the three-point play after sinking the jumper, drawing the foul and swishing the free throw. She finished with nine points on the day.
It was a block party in CFE Arena.
- Entering Saturday's contest, UCF had nine blocks as a team. The Knights finished with five against UNI.
- Freshman Masseny Kaba, who made her second consecutive start, finished with a career-high three blocks.
- Nyala Shuler swatted a pair of shots for the Knights, bringing her season total to four.
The Knights hit the road for Thursday night contest at Samford. The game is slated for a 7 p.m. tip in Birmingham, Ala.
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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