RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO – The UCF women's basketball team opens Cancun Challenge action on Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.
The Knights face Idaho State on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET and close out the tournament against USC on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 4 p.m. Both games will stream on FloHoops.
GAME INFO
vs. Idaho State
Date: Friday, Nov. 26
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Watch: FloHoops ($)
Live Stats
vs. USC
Date: Saturday, Nov. 27
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Watch: FloHoops ($)
Live Stats
LAST TIME OUT
Defense was key again for the UCF women's basketball team as the Knights held Belmont to its season low in a 57-45 win on Nov. 21. UCF went on an 8-0 run while holding the Bruins scoreless over the final 2 minutes and 53 seconds of the contest.
The Knights responded to a cold-shooting first half by heating up in the second half - shooting over 68 percent from the floor. Three Knights finished in double figures, led by Diamond Battles' 16 points. Alisha Lewis scored all 14 of her points in the second half and Masseny Kaba added 11 points for the Black and Gold.
KNIGHT NOTES
- UCF was among the team receiving votes in the USA Today/WBCA coaches poll, which was released on Nov. 23.
- The Knights are back among the top five in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 42.8 points per game. UCF has held each of its first four opponents under 50 points.
- The Black and Gold have forced each opponent this season into double-digit turnovers and rank 41st among Division I programs.
- Diamond Battles paces the Knights, averaging 14.3 points per game. Tay Sanders averages 9.0 points per game and Alisha Lewis adds 7.0 points per contest.
- Destiny Thomas leads UCF with 8.8 rebounds per game.
- Alisha Lewis averages 3.5 assists per contest and joins Battles with 2.0 steals per game.
SCOUTING THE FIELD
The Cancun Challenge marks the first time UCF has faced Idaho State or USC on the hardwood.
The Bengals entered the tournament with a 1-3 overall record and face Toledo on Nov. 25. Idaho State is ranked 13th in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll.
Estefania Ors and Tomekia Whitman average 8.8 and 8.5 points per game, respectively, to lead the Bengals. Whitman also averages 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals per contest.
USC entered the tournament with a 3-1 record and face Seton Hall on Nov. 25. The Trojans rank fourth nationally in blocked shots per game (8.5) and sixth in blocked shots (34). Six Trojans are averaging at least 1.0 block per game.
Jordan Sanders leads USC offensively, averaging 13.0 points per game. Rayah Marshall averages 12.0 points per game and leads the Trojans on the glass with 8.5 rebounds per game.
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