GREENVILE, N.C. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women’s basketball team withstood a rally from ECU to post a 61-58 overtime win in Minges Coliseum on Wednesday evening.
UCF (17-2, 6-0 The American) held ECU (10-8, 1-4 The American) to just two free throws in the extra period. The Knights finished the game 11-for-12 from the free throw line.
The Black and Gold pushed one-point 13-12 advantage after the first quarter into a 25-20 edge heading into halftime.
UCF outscored the Pirates in each of the first three frames to take a 41-31 lead into the fourth quarter. ECU slowly chipped away at the Black and Gold’s advantage, pulling within one on three occasions within the final two minutes. The Knights sank clutch free throws down the stretch to put their lead back to three points, but a three-pointer from Justice Gee with 10 seconds left knotted the score at 56-56 to send UCF to its first overtime game of the season.
Kay Kay Wright found Masseny Kaba less than 10 seconds into the extra period, putting the Knights back on top, 58-56. The UCF defense locked the Pirates down, limiting them to just a pair of free throws, while the Knights clinched the victory from the foul line.
Nyala Shuler posted her second double-double of the season, grabbing 12 rebounds to go along with a season-best 10 points. She also collected a season-high four steals. Sydnee McDonald added 10 points for UCF. Kayla Thigpen chipped in nine points and tied her career-high with two blocks.
Still Streaking
- UCF continues its historic start to the season, improving to 17-2 overall.
- At 6-0, the Knights continue their best start in The American and remain one of just two unbeaten teams in the league.
- The Knights have also matched their season-best win streak, as Wednesday’s victory marked the seventh in a row.
- UCF has now won four straight in the all-time series with the Pirates.
Stepping Up
- Eleven Knights saw action in the victory, with every player collecting at least one rebound.
- Ten Knights tallied at least two points, with a pair of Knights finishing in double figures.
- UCF held a 49-41 rebounding advantage and turned 18 offensive boards into 21 second chance points.
UCF continues its road swing on Sunday, heading to No. 2/3 UConn. The 4 p.m. contest will air on ESPN2 from the XL Center in Hartford.
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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