ORLANDO- The UCF women’s basketball team fell to High Point 64-60 Tuesday night in Addition Financial Arena to wrap up their nonconference slate.
The Knights (7-3) got off to a slow start in their return home but bested the Panthers (5-7) in rebounds at 39 to High Points 23, and assists with 20 to their 16.
The Black and Gold opened up the scoring for the first quarter with a layup by Khayla Ngodu. Soon after, the Knight’s offense was held off as High Point went on a 7-0 scoring run. The run was ended by two free throws made by Hannah Gusters. The Knights ended the quarter down by three, 22-19.
The second quarter opened up with the two teams going back-and-forth as Ngodu tied the game at 25. Shortly after, the Panthers regained the lead going on a 14-0 run. Lucie Castagne ended the run with a three-point jumper right at the end of the quarter. The Panthers headed into the locker with the lead,41-28.
Ngodu continued to stay strong, opening scoring in the third quarter netting her tenth point of the night. Emely Rodriguez was able to net the only three-pointer of the quarter during a 3-0 run for the Black and Gold. The Knights scored on five of the last seven field goals of the quarter, but it wasn't enough as the Panthers continued to hold the lead, 59-46.
The Knights looked dominant to start the final quarter. Down 13 points to start, the Black and Gold quickly cut the deficit with Gusters and Ngodu going back and forth on offense, notching six and eight points respectively making the game 62-60. The Knights held the Panthers to just two points for over six minutes of the fourth quarter before High Point sank a free throw in the final three minutes of the game. The comeback was close, but ultimately unsuccessful as High Point took the game, 64-60.
Ngodu led the Knights offense at 22 points, her highest of the season. She also led in rebounds at 12, marking her first double-double of the season. Gusters also tallied double digits in scoring with 17. Rodriguez and Ngodu each dished out five assists.
UCF is back in action at Addition Financial Arena for a matchup against No. 12 TCU on Saturday, December 21 at 2 p.m. to open up Big 12 conference play.