PHILADELPHIA (UCFKnights.com) – A game-tying basket took an unlucky bounce as the UCF women's basketball team dropped a 67-65 decision to Temple on Wednesday evening in McGonigle Hall.
The Knights (11-8, 3-4 The American) trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half. An 11-0 run to close out the frame and open the fourth quarter put the Black and Gold back within striking distance of Temple (13-8, 5-3 The American).
The Owls held the early advantage in the game, but UCF rallied in the second quarter and traded leads with Temple for most of the frame. The teams headed into the locker room locked at 30-30. Temple opened the third stanza on a 13-2 run before the Knights battled back.
Trailing 66-62 with just over 30 seconds left to play, Georgia Gayle drained a clutch three-pointer to make it a one-point contest, 66-65. The Knights came up with a defensive stop to reclaim possession with 11 seconds left but were unable to convert on the offensive end.
Temple made one of two free throws with five ticks left on the clock to extend its lead to two, 67-65, giving the Knights just enough time to get the ball down the court, but the game-tying shot bounced up and off the rim as time expired.
Three Knights finished in double figures, led by a season-high 14 points from Courtajia Sanders, who also had a game-high three steals. Kay Kay Wright added 13 points and five assists. Masseny Kaba chipped in 10 points with six rebounds, two steals and a pair of assists. Brittney Smith pulled down a team-best seven rebounds while Diamond Battles came off the bench to lead UCF with six assists.
NEXT UP
UCF returns to Orlando to host SMU for its National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The 2 p.m. contest will stream on the American Digital Network.
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