MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (UCFKnights.com) – Kay Kay Wright turned in a career-best performance, but the UCF women’s basketball team fell short in a 75-68 decision at Central Michigan on Wednesday evening in McGuirk Arena.
Wright scored a career-best 31 points to lead all scorers, but UCF (3-1) was unable to hold off a late push from Central Michigan (3-1) in the final quarter.
The Chippewas, the sixth-ranked team in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25, jumped out to the early lead and held an 18-14 advantage at the end of the first quarter. After Central Michigan pushed its lead to double figures, 30-20, the Knights posted an 11-2 spurt on nine points from Wright and a bucket from Masseny Kaba to close the gap to 32-31 at halftime.
Wright continued her hot hand in the third quarter, putting the Knights on top, 33-32, to open the second half. Sydnee McDonald extended the UCF advantage to four, 36-32, with a three-pointer, but Central Michigan responded, swinging the score back in favor of the home team. The Chippewas took a five-point edge, 55-50, with 38 ticks left in the third quarter, but back-to-back threes from Wright put the Knights in front heading into the final frame.
Nyala Shuler gave UCF a six-point advantage, 64-58, with 4:42 left in the game on a pair of free throws, but Central Michigan poured in 17 points, including nine from the charity stripe, down the stretch to clinch the win.
Wright made her first nine field goal attempts and finished the game 11-for-15 from the floor, including 3-for-3 from three. She was also a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line, dished out three assists and collected a pair of steals.
With 11 rebounds, Shuler moved into sixth all-time at UCF in rebounding with 659 boards. She also collected a block, pushing her career total to 66, which is tied for 10th on the UCF career list.
Jamesha Paul added nine points for UCF and Brittney Smith added a career-high seven points. Fifi Ndour pulled down a season-best seven rebounds.
Next up, the Knights open the home portion of their schedule with the UCF Thanksgiving Tournament. The Black and Gold host Richmond on Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m., followed by a 1:30 p.m. matchup against Villanova on Nov. 25.
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.
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