ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – A defensive second half performance led the UCF women’s basketball team to a 70-48 victory over Richmond in the UCF Thanksgiving Classic at Jasper Contractors Court at CFE Arena on Saturday.
UCF (4-1) poured in 43 points in the second half to top Richmond (1-5). The Knights turned 27 Richmond turnovers into 25 points, including 17 fast break points.
Kay Kay Wright led the Knights with 14 points and dished out five assists. Kayla Thigpen added 11 points and Masseny Kaba chipped in 10 points. Wright and Nyala Shuler led the Black and Gold with five rebounds each and Shuler had a game-high two blocks.
Defense led to offense in the second half.
- Heading into halftime, UCF had four steals as a team.
- The Knights swiped nine steals in the second half, including six in the fourth quarter.
- UCF finished with a season-best 13 steals.
- Kayla Thigpen led the way with a career-best seven steals.
The Knights opened the home portion of the season on Saturday.
- After four straight road games, UCF opened the home portion of its season against Richmond.
- The Knights won their home opener for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
- In all, 13 members of the Black and Gold saw action, with 11 registering at least two points.
Thigpen and Wright brought energy for the Knights.
- Kayla Thigpen scored a season-best 11 points and swiped a career-best seven steals in the win.
- Kay Kay Wright scored in double figures for the fifth time this season, leading all scorers with 14 points.
- Thigpen shot 71.4 percent (5-7) from the floor and Wright shot 50.0 percent (5-10).
The Knights continue UCF Thanksgiving Classic action on Sunday, taking on Villanova at 1:30 p.m. in CFE Arena.
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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