DALLAS, Texas (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women’s basketball team continues to make history, this time with a 66-54 win over SMU in Moody Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
UCF improved to 20-3 on the season, giving the Knights three consecutive 20-win campaigns for the first time in the program’s Division I history. UCF also improved to 9-1 in American Athletic Conference action.
The Knights jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but SMU (8-15, 2-8 The American) outscored UCF 7-4 over the final four minutes to take an 18-15 lead into the second quarter. The Mustangs continued to push in the second frame, going up by a dozen, 27-15, at the 7:59 mark, but UCF responded with a 13-0 run to take a 28-27 lead into the locker room.
UCF never relinquished its lead, outscoring SMU 22-16 in the third quarter and 16-11 in the fourth quarter to earn its ninth conference win of the 2018-19 campaign.
Kay Kay Wright registered her 10th 20-point performance of the season, leading all scorers with 20 points. She just missed a double-double, dishing out nine assists and collecting five rebounds. Kayla Thigpen, Sydnee McDonald and Masseny Kaba each added nine points for the Knights.
Nyala Shuler pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds, grabbing six on the offensive end, and finished one shy of her career-high with four blocks.
Strength In Numbers
- Ten Knights saw action in the win.
- UCF registered a season-best 21 assists on 25 field goals.
- The Knights held a 41-29 rebounding edge and scored 18 second chance points.
- The Black and Gold forced the Mustangs into 21 turnovers, converting them into 19 points.
Continuing To Make History
- UCF earned its 20th victory of the season for the 10th time in program history.
- In each of the Knights’ last three seasons, the team has registered at least 20 wins, marking the first time in the program’s Division I history with three straight 20-win campaigns.
- Katie Abrahamson-Henderson is the first UCF head coach since Joe Sanchez (1981-85) to lead her squad to at least three 20-win seasons.
- UCF competed as a member of AIAW and NCAA Division II in Sanchez’ first three campaigns.
UCF continues its road swing on Wednesday, heading to New Orleans to face Tulane at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
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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