ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women’s basketball team picked up three War on I-4 points and completed the regular season sweep of South Florida with a 66-63 victory over the Bulls in CFE Arena on Sunday afternoon.
UCF (19-3, 8-1 The American) defeated South Florida (11-11, 2-6 The American) twice in the regular season for the first time as a Division I program.
The Knights jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game, forcing the Bulls into a turnover on each of their first three possessions. USF responded, going on a 12-2 run to close the quarter and hold a 15-14 advantage after the first frame.
Five quick points in the opening 90 seconds of the second quarter reestablished UCF’s lead. USF was able to pull within a point, 26-25, but the Knights outscored the Bulls 10-5 over the final 4:24 to take a 36-30 lead into halftime.
The Knights led by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, 53-42, after Brittney Smith completed a three-point play at the free throw line with 1:42 left. However, the Bulls rallied to pull within four, 54-50, to end the frame, and took a 55-54 advantage in the opening 90 seconds of the fourth quarter. The Knights reclaimed the lead on a fastbreak layup from Kay Kay Wright, and maintained the advantage for the remainder of the contest to earn the 66-63 win.
Kay Kay Wright poured in 22 points, registering her ninth 20-point performance of the season to lead all scorers. She collected five rebounds, dished out four assists and collected three steals. Kayla Thigpen added 15 points for her third consecutive double-digit outing.
Jamesha Paul joined Wright as UCF’s leader in assists, finishing with four. Brittney Smith pulled down a team-high six rebounds and Masseny Kaba tallied a season-best two blocks.
War On I-4 Win
- UCF completed the regular season sweep of the Bulls to pick up all six War on I-4 points.
- The Knights now hold a 30-6 lead in the rivalry series.
- UCF have now picked up all six points in women’s basketball twice in the three-year history of the rivalry series. The Knights collected all six points two seasons ago after earning the program’s first-ever win in Tampa on Feb. 14, 2017.
Winning Numbers
- UCF improved to 9-0 in CFE Arena this season.
- The Knights have won their last 11 home contests, dating back to the 2017-18 campaign.
- UCF scored 80 points off 21 USF turnovers, including 24 fastbreak points.
- The Knights are now 3-3 against South Florida under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.
UCF will return to action on Feb. 9, traveling to Dallas to face SMU at 3 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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