ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team closed out its non-conference schedule strong, earning a 62-54 win over Davidson in CFE Arena on Thursday afternoon.
"To me, this was a really must-get win for us going into conference play," UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. "We had to get (the victory). We have to start picking it back up because we have the (preseason number two selection) coming in on Saturday."
UCF (8-5) jumped out to a 10-0 advantage against Davidson (5-8) and never relinquished its lead. The Wildcats tied the game up at 22 with 1:45 left in the second quarter, but the Knights rattled off six straight points to take a 28-22 lead into the locker rooms. The Black and Gold never allowed Davidson to get within more than four points in the second half to improve to 2-0 in the all-time series.
A trio of Knights finished in double figures, led by senior Aliyah Gregory's game-high 15 points. Junior Kayla Thigpen added 11 points and tied her career high with four steals. Sophomore Korneila Wright chipped in 10 points. Redshirt junior Nyala Shuler posted her fourth double-digit rebounding contest of the season, collecting a game-high 11 boards. Redshirt senior Zakiya Saunders dished out five assists for the Knights.
The Knights used a total team effort to earn the win.
- Nine Knights saw action, with each one collecting at least one rebound.
- Eight members of the squad scored at least four points.
- Six Knights combined for 12 steals.
- UCF won its final non-conference contest for the first time since earning a 59-56 victory at Bowling Green on Jan. 4, 2013. The last time the Knights closed out the non-conference with a home victory came on Jan. 2, 2011 when UCF defeated Valdosta State, 72-44.
The defense continued to step up.
- For the seventh time in the last eight games, UCF held its opponent at or below 59 points.
- The Knights are 8-1 when holding their opponents below the 60-point mark.
- UCF collected 12 steals in the victory, marking the seventh time this season that the Knights have swiped double-figure steals.
NEXT UP
UCF opens American Athletic Conference action on Saturday, hosting Temple at 2 p.m. The Knights will host their league opener in CFE Arena for the third straight season.
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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