HOUSTON, Texas (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's basketball team locked a third place finish in the American Athletic Conference with a 64-59 victory over Houston in H & PE Arena on Saturday afternoon.
UCF (19-9, 11-4 The American) locked in the third seed in The American Championship with the victory over Houston (20-9, 9-6 The American). The Knights shot 50 percent or better in three of the four quarters, and 47.4 percent from the floor for the game. UCF held the Cougars to just 27.3 percent from the field in the second quarter.
After Houston took a 56-55 lead with 4:48 left in the game, the UCF defense locked down over the final stretch. The Knights held the Cougars to just three points over the last stretch while pouring in nine points of their own.
Korneila Wright led a trio of Knights in double figures, scoring 19 points to go along with four assists. Zakiya Saunders added 16 points with three steals. Masseny Kaba just missed a double-double, chipping in 11 points with nine rebounds.
The Knights continue to reach milestones as members of the American Athletic Conference.
- One game after the Knights collected their first 10-win season in conference play since the 2010-11 campaign in Conference USA, UCF added an 11th win.
- The Black and Gold secured the third seed in The American Championship - the highest seed since the Knights joined the conference.
- UCF earned its 19th win of the regular season, matching its 2016-17 regular season victory total.
Everyone played a key role in UCF's win.
- Nyala Shuler sank two clutch free throws with six seconds remaining to make it a two-possession game, 64-59. She finished with six points, three rebounds and a block.
- With eight seconds left and a 62-59 lead, Kayla Thigpen collected a defensive rebound and drew a foul to keep the ball in UCF's possession.
- Delphine Robitaille played 11 quality minutes in the first half, collecting her first two career steals and scoring a layup to extend UCF's lead.
- Lawriell Wilson scored six points while dishing out four assists and swiping a pair of steals in 25 minutes of action.
NEXT UP
UCF concludes the regular season on Monday, hosting ECU in a 7 p.m. contest in CFE Arena. Seniors Aliyah Gregory and Zakiya Saunders will be recognized after the game.
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