CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's basketball team put together a valiant performance against No. 11 UCLA, but came up short in a 61-56 loss to the Bruins at the Cavalier Classic in John Paul Jones Arena on Saturday evening.
UCF (4-3) and UCLA (6-0) battled in the first-ever meeting between the programs with 14 ties and 16 lead changes over the course of the 40-minute contest.
The Bruins jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the game, but UCF responded to take a 12-8 lead into the media timeout. Back-to-back three-pointers from Sianni Martin and Georgia Gayle gave the Knights a 20-17 edge after the first 10 minutes.
In a tightly contested second quarter, UCLA led by as many as four points before taking a 33-31 advantage into halftime.
The Knights turned up their intensity in the third frame, outscoring the Bruins 20-13. Trailing 44-43 with 3:07 remaining in the quarter, the Black and Gold used six points from Gayle and a jumper from Martin to outscore UCLA 8-2 down the stretch and take a 51-46 lead into the final 10 minutes.
A pair of free throws from Diamond Battles less than 30 seconds into the fourth quarter gave UCF its largest lead of the night, 53-46. However, the Bruins, who are coming off a 2019 NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, chipped away at UCF's lead. Five UCLA points in the final minute pushed the Bruins to a 61-56 victory.
UCF held a 41-35 rebounding advantage and shot 84.6 percent from the free throw line for the game.
Sianni Martin led the way with a season-best 22 points. Diamond Battles added a career-high 11 points with five rebounds and four assists. Masseny Kaba and Brittney Smith each had seven rebounds to lead the Knights.
NEXT UP
UCF closes out the Cavalier Classic with a 1 p.m. contest against a James Madison squad that is receiving votes in the top 25 on Sunday. The Knights then take a break for finals before opening a five-game homestand in Addition Financial Arena. The Knights return to action on Dec. 17, hosting Quinnipiac at 6 p.m.
TICKETS FOR 2019-20
The UCF women's basketball team is set for its fourth season under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. Purchase season tickets by clicking here or calling (407) 823-1000.
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