ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – After four games on the road, the UCF women's basketball team opens a three-game home stand with the UCF Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday.
The two-day tournament begins at noon with a neutral site matchup between Villanova and Virginia Tech. UCF takes on Richmond at 2:30 p.m.
The purchase of one ticket is good for both games for that day. Tickets can be purchased here. On Saturday, fans with tickets to the UCF – Richmond game will be able to stay for the UCF men’s basketball game against Northern Kentucky but will need to relocated to sections 109-111, 210-212 or 201.
On Sunday, the first-ever Toddler Turkey Trot will take place during halftime of the UCF-Villanova game. A full non-conference promotional schedule can be found here.
Please note that West Plaza Drive is closed to traffic due to Light Up UCF.
Tournament Schedule
Saturday, Nov. 24
Villanova vs. Virginia Tech - 12 p.m. | Live Stats
UCF vs. Richmond - 2:30 p.m. | Live Stats - Watch
Sunday, Nov. 25
Richmond vs. Virginia Tech - 11 a.m. | Live Stats
UCF vs. Villanova - 1:30 p.m. | Live Stats - Watch
THE KNIGHTS
UCF (3-1) will play its first contest on Jasper Contractors Court at CFE Arena on Saturday in the UCF Thanksgiving Classic.
The Knights begin a three-game home stand after a four-game road stretch to open the season. UCF saw a three-game win streak come to an end on Nov. 21 in a battle at Central Michigan.
Kay Kay Wright turned in a career-best performance against the Chippewas with 31 points. She 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. Wright is UCF’s leading scorer, averaging 20.8 points per contest this season.
Nyala Shuler has been UCF’s leading rebounder in all four contests and used an 11-board performance at Central Michigan to move into sixth all-time at UCF with 659. She leads the Knights with 9.8 rebounds per contest. Shuler also collected her 66th career block to move into 10th on the UCF career list.
Sydnee McDonald is UCF’s second-leading scorer with 12.3 points per contest. Brittney Smith has 10 offensive rebounds in her first four games as a Knight and has a team-leading seven steals.
THE FIELD
UCF opens the tournament against Richmond on Saturday. The Spiders are 1-4 on the campaign and led by Alex Parson's 12.0 points per game. Jaide Hinds-Clarke is Richmond’s leading rebounder with 6.4 boards per game and has a team-high 12 steals.
The Knights are 1-1 against Richmond, with both previous meetings happening in Orlando.
On Sunday, UCF will face Villanova, who enters the weekend 3-0 on the season. Four Wildcats average double figures, led by Kelly Jekot’s 17.7 points per game. Bridget Herlihy is the leading rebounder for Villanova with 7.7 boards per game. Adrianna Hahn leads the Wildcats with 16 assists and 11 steals on the season.
Villanova holds the lone victory in the all-time series against the Knights, a 68-50 win in the Paradise Jam on Nov. 29, 2008.
Though the Knights won't face them, Virginia Tech will also suit up at CFE Arena this weekend. The Hokies are 5-0 overall this season and will take on Villanova and Richmond. Dara Mabrey leads Virginia Tech with an average of 16.6 points per game and Regan Magarity averages 13.8 rebounds per contest.
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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