MACON, Ga. – The UCF women's basketball team used consistent scoring across all four quarters to extended its win streak to six in a row with a 61-47 win over Mercer in Hawkins Arena on Sunday afternoon.
"This was a big win because (Mercer) is going to be an NCAA team," UCF head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. "They've been to the NCAA Tournament five years in a row with this team and they have all seniors. They're very experienced so this was a really big road win for us."
UCF (7-1) scored the first seven points of the game, but Mercer (6-5) responded and the squads ended the first quarter tied at 13-13.
The teams traded baskets over the first five minutes of the second frame before Shania Meertens, Masseny Kaba and Destiny Thomas put together a 5-0 spurt to and gain some separation. The Knights closed out on a 6-0 run in the final 90 seconds to take a 30-22 lead into halftime.
Four quick points in the opening minute of the third period pushed UCF's lead to 12 points, 34-22. The Bears were able to close the gap to six points, 36-30, with 4:29 left, but an 8-0 run put the Knights back in front by double digits, 44-30, with just under two minutes remaining. UCF maintained its double-figure lead for the rest of the contest.
Brittney Smith and Masseny Kaba stepped up offensively for the Knights. Smith stuffed the stat sheet with a season-high 18 points, down nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Kaba added 10 points with six boards and three assists.
Tay Sanders added nine points and dished out a career-best five assists. Diamond Battles collected a season-high four steals for the Black and Gold.
UCF outrebounded Mercer, 42-26, and held a 34-10 advantage on points in the paint. The Black and Gold had balanced scoring as nine Knights finished with at least two points.
NEXT UP
UCF continues its road trip on Tuesday, heading to Seton Hall for a 6 p.m. contest on FloHoops.
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