ORLANDO – The UCF women's basketball team fell to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in a Saturday afternoon heartbreaker. The Knights (9-5, 0-2 AAC) led through the first half, but the Golden Hurricane (13-3, 3-0 AAC) applied pressure to come out on top 80-75.
The Knights had a hot start in the first quarter, going on a 12-point scoring run to lead 22-17. The defense kept Tulsa on its toes, forcing seven turnovers in the first 10 minutes and earning 11 points from those turnovers.
UCF was able to hold the lead through the second quarter, leading 35-33 at halftime. Through the first half, the Knights collected seven steals from the Golden Hurricane, three of those coming from Sierra Godbolt. Godbolt collected two steals in a row, scoring layups on both steals.
The Knights struggled in the second half, going 4-16 from the field in the third quarter. A high point for UCF came from the free throw line, where it went 8-8 in the third. The Golden Hurricane was able to pull ahead, going on an eight-point scoring run to lead 55-52 going into the final 10.
The Black and Gold shot 52.9% from the field in the fourth quarter, but Tulsa was able to maintain its lead to take the game 80-75.
Anzhane Hutton had a season-high afternoon, recording her first double-double of the season and earning a season-high for rebounds with 13. As the team's leading scorer, she tied her career-high points total, scoring 22.
The Knights will head on the road to face Houston on Tuesday for their third conference game of the season, with tip off slated for 8 PM.