PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team withstood a late push from Temple to earn a 64-57 win over the Owls on Saturday afternoon in McGonigle Hall.
"I think it's awesome, especially for Aliyah (Gregory); she's never won here," UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. "(Zakiya and Kay Kay) really stepped up. They had to play the whole game."
UCF (17-8, 9-3 The American) held Temple (10-14, 2-9 The American) to just five points in the first quarter, and took a 22-15 lead into the break. The Knights defense was solid once again, limiting the Owls to a 14.3 first quarter field goal percentage, and a 23.1 second quarter field goal percentage.
The Knights led by as many as 15 points, 40-25, with 2:12 left in the third quarter and took a 40-30 edge into the final frame. Despite the Owls holding the scoring advantage in the fourth quarter, UCF never allowed Temple to get closer than six points, 63-57, and came away with the victory.
Zakiya Saunders and Korneila Wright each scored 18 points to lead the Knights. Saunders collected eight rebounds while Masseny Kaba grabbed six boards. Wright and Saunders each had four assists, while Jamesha Paul joined Saunders with three steals apiece.
The Knights earned their first win over the Owls in Philadelphia.
- Entering Saturday, UCF was 0-3 when facing Temple in Philadelphia.
- The Knights are now on a two-game win streak in the all-time series, after earning their first win over the Owls in The American on Dec. 30.
- The Black and Gold pulled closer in the series, now trailing Temple 7-3.
The point guards combined for 36 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
- Redshirt senior Zakiya Saunders and sophomore Korneila Wright each scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Knights.
- Saunders was UCF's leading rebounder, grabbing seven boards. Wright pulled down three.
- The duo distributed four assists each, and combined for four of UCF's 10 steals.
- The pair combined for 10 of UCF's 16 free throws, as Wright sank eight at the line and Saunders went 2-for-2.
UCF matched its program-best for wins in the American Athletic Conference.
- The Knights set a program-best mark in The American during the 2016-17 campaign with nine victories.
- UCF has matched that win total with four games remaining in the regular season.
NEXT UP
UCF returns to action on Feb. 18, hosting No. 22 USF in a War on I-4 rivalry contest in CFE Arena. The teams will tip off at noon and the contest will air on CBS Sports Network.
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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