PITTSBURGH, Pa. (UCFKnights.com) – Down but never out, the UCF women’s basketball team rallied for a 61-58 win over Pitt at the Petersen Events Center on Wednesday afternoon.
UCF (1-0) earned its first win over Pitt (0-1), and collected its first victory against an ACC opponent under head coach of Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.
Kay Kay Wright led the Knights with 19 points and Sydnee McDonald added 14. Nyala Shuler pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds, dished out a pair of assists and posted a game-high two blocks.
The Knights rallied from an 11-point deficit.
- After scoring the first basket of the game, UCF found itself down by seven points at the end of the first quarter, 12-5.
- Pitt pushed its lead out to double-digits to start the second quarter and posted its largest margin, 20-9, with 7:20 left in the second period.
- Over the final 5:34 of the first half, UCF went on a 13-4 run, capped off by a three-pointer from Kayla Thigpen to pull within two, 26-24, at halftime.
- After a back-and forth third period, the Knights found themselves down by six points, 47-41, entering the final quarter.
- The Black and Gold outscored the Panthers 20-11 in the final frame to earn the comeback victory.
UCF used a total team effort to get the victory.
- Eight different Knights finished with at least three points and collected at least one rebound.
- Two Knights – Kay Kay Wright and Sydnee McDonald – finished in double figures.
- Nyala Shuler’s 10 rebounds pushed her career total to 630, moving her four away from seventh all-time.
- The Black and Gold forced Pitt into 20 turnovers, which led to 26 points for UCF.
- Six members of the UCF squad combined for 12 steals, led by a trio each for Nyala Shuler and Jamesha Paul.
The Knights showed their strength in numbers.
- In the season opener, 11 Knights saw action.
- Tolulope Omokore and Fifi Ndour made their returns after missing last season due to injury.
- Brittney Smith debuted as a member of UCF’s starting five, while Diamond Battles made her first appearance with the Black and Gold in the second period.
Next up, the Knights return to the Sunshine State for a Nov. 14 contest at Stetson.
TICKETS FOR 2018-19
The UCF women's basketball team is set for its third season under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. Purchase season tickets by clicking here or calling (407) 823-1000.
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Gamza