MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's basketball team battled for a 67-59 win over Memphis in Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon.
With the victory, UCF (18-9, 10-5 The American) clinched a top four seed and a first round bye in next week's American Athletic Conference Championship. The Knights have now earned a top four seed in all four seasons under UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.
The Knights scored first, but soon found themselves trailing as Memphis (13-15, 4-11 The American) put together a scoring spurt to go up by as many as five, 14-9. The Black and Gold responded with five unanswered to knot the score at 14 after the first 10 minutes.
The Tigers posted a strong start to the second quarter to go up by six, but UCF stayed its course, chipping away at the Memphis lead. Kay Kay Wright gave the Knights the advantage at halftime, draining a three-pointer in the final minute to put UCF up 29-28.
Courtajia Sanders stepped up in the third quarter, scoring eight points to keep the Knights in the contest. Sianni Martin put UCF ahead 48-45, hitting a three-pointer with 13 seconds left in the frame.
The Knights began to pull away in the fourth quarter, never allowing Memphis to get within more than six points before claiming the 59-67 win.
UCF forced Memphis into 21 turnovers, leading to 27 points for the Knights.
Kay Kay Wright led all scorers with 19 points, dishing out six assists with two steals. Sianni Martin added 12 points, shooting 3-of-5 from the floor and hitting both of her three-point attempts. Brittney Smith chipped in 10 points, collecting four of her seven rebounds on the offensive glass.
Masseny Kaba matched Smith with four of her seven boards coming on the offensive end. The junior forward also had a game-high two blocks. Diamond Battles matched Wright with six assists.
NEXT UP
UCF returns to Addition Financial Arena for the regular season finale on March 2. The Knights host Wichita State at 7 p.m. on Senior Knight. Following the contest, Kay Kay Wright, Sianni Martin and Grace Stant will be recognized during the senior celebration.
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