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Opening Against the Owls

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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – American Athletic Conference action begins Saturday afternoon as the UCF women's basketball team hosts Temple at 2 p.m. in CFE Arena.
 
UCF (8-5) heads into league play having won four of its last five contests. The Knights closed out the non-conference slate with a 62-54 victory over Davidson on Dec. 28.
 
UCF LEADERS

  • A trio of Knights average double figures, led by Zakiya Saunders and Aliyah Gregory at 13.8 points each.
  • Korneila Wright averages 11.0 points per game and leads the team with 53 assists and 33 steals.
  • Following her fourth double-digit rebounding game of the season, Nyala Shuler pushed her team-leading rebounds per game up to 7.8. She has a team-leading 40 offensive rebounds this season.

 
LOOKING AT THE LEAGUE

  • UCF will be tested from the beginning, opening against a Temple squad that was selected third in the preseason poll.
  • The Knights, who were predicted to finish fourth in the preseason poll, begin league play at home for the third consecutive season.
  • The Black and Gold posted a 9-7 record in league play last season to finish a program-best fourth in the standings.
  • Senior Aliyah Gregory, a first team all-conference selection last season, was recognized by the league coaches as a preseason first team selection in October.
  • The Knights are currently tied for fifth in the league standings. Temple sits just ahead of UCF in fourth place.


SCOUTING THE OWLS

  • Temple brings an 8-4 overall record into the league opener.
  • The Owls hold a 7-1 edge in the all-time series, and have won all seven meetings as members of The American.
  • Tanaya Atkinson averages a double-double to lead Temple. She averages 23.1 points per game and 11.2 rebounds per contest and has a team-leading 32 assists and 20 steals.
  • Mia Davis also averages a double-double for the Owls with 11. 8 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per contest.
  • Shannen Atkinson has a team-leading 12 blocks on the season while Breanna Perry has eight blocks.

 
NEXT UP
UCF heads to SMU for an American Athletic Conference matchup in Dallas. The Knights and the Mustangs will tip off at 8 p.m. ET in Moody Coliseum.
 
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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