ORLANDO – The UCF women's basketball team overcame a slow start to outscore Wichita State by nearly 30 points in the second half on its way to a 60-35 victory over the Shockers on Wednesday evening in Addition Financial Arena.
UCF (19-3, 11-1 The American) held a slight 12-11 advantage over Wichita State (12-12, 3-8 The American) at the end of the first quarter. Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, but the Shockers outscored the Knights 8-5 to take a 19-17 lead into the locker rooms.
Six straight points put UCF in front, 23-19, and prompted a Wichita State timeout in the opening 90 seconds of the third quarter. The Black and Gold held the Shockers to just six points in the period, while pouring in 21 of their own to build up a 38-25 lead at the end of the frame.
With the offense finding its rhythm, UCF kept its foot on the gas pedal, outscoring the visitors 22-10 in the final 10 minutes for the regular season sweep of the Shockers.
The UCF defense was locked in once again, holding a second straight opponent to 35 points or fewer. The Knights forced 31 Wichita State turnovers - converting them into 34 points - and had 15 steals in the win. UCF also held a 30-20 rebounding edge over the Shockers.
A trio of Knights finished in double figures as Masseny Kaba, Tay Sanders and Diamond Battles each had 11 points for the Black and Gold. In all, 10 Knights finished in the scoring column.
Brittney Smith was just shy of a double-double with eight points and a game-high eight rebounds. Battles dished out five assists. Sanders and Destiny Thomas each had three steals and Thomas had a game-high two blocks.
Next up, UCF heads out for its final road trip of the regular season, traveling to Philadelphia to face Temple on Saturday, Feb. 19.
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