CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's basketball team battled James Madison at the Cavalier Classic but came up short in a 46-43 loss in John Paul Jones Arena on Sunday afternoon.
UCF (4-4) took a 4-0 lead in the first quarter, but James Madison (6-2) responded with six straight points. The Knights held the 9-6 edge after the first quarter. UCF extended its lead to as many as six points on a pair of occasions in the second quarter and held a 21-17 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter saw four lead changes and a pair of ties, but UCF withstood a push from JMU, who is receiving votes in the Top 25, to take a 34-33 lead into the final 10 minutes.
The Dukes opened the final frame with four straight points to take a 37-34 advantage. UCF used a pair of free throws from Diamond Battles and a three-pointer from Georgia Gayle to put itself back on top, but James Madison scored six of the next eight points to push the Dukes in front. Sianni Martin pulled UCF within one, 43-42, with 22 seconds remaining, but James Madison sank a three-pointer to put the game out of reach.
Sianni Martin led the Knights with 10 points and a pair of steals. Diamond Battles added nine points, six rebounds and an assist. Masseny Kaba collected five of her team-leading eight rebounds off the offensive glass.
NEXT UP
UCF takes 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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