HOUSTON – A career-high 39 points for Kaitlin Peterson helped guide the Knights to a 93-87 victory over Texas Southern in the H&PE Arena Saturday afternoon.
UCF (7-2) got off to a slow start in the first quarter, as the Tigers (1-6) came out to a quick 3-0 run. The Knights went on a 4-0 run to take the lead at the media timeout as Emely Rodriguez sank two free throws. A three-pointer from Peterson forced Texas Southern to take a timeout, 17-12. The Black and Gold ended the first quarter with a two-point lead, 24-22.
A tip-in layup from Texas Southern knotted the game at 24. The Tigers went on an 8-0 run to take the lead 34-26. UCF chipped away at the Tigers’ lead as a layup from Mahogany Chandler-Roberts got the Knights within one, 36-35. Texas Southern answered back with a three-pointer and outscored the Knights 28-22 in the quarter to take the lead into the half, 50-46.
UCF switched the momentum as a jumper from Peterson tied the game, 52-52. A three from Peterson ignited the Knights on a 9-0 run to take the lead back, 61-55. The Knights cruised through the rest of the third, holding onto the lead, 76-63. The Black and Gold shot an impressive 12-16 from the field.
Texas Southern fought back with 24 points in the fourth quarter but the Knights never relinquished their lead. UCF continued to earn their first road game of the season, 93-87.
Peterson’s 39 points came from a career-high 15 field goals and six three-pointers, marking the most points by a player in the Big 12 this season. Hannah Gusters joined Peterson in double digits with 21 points. Achol Akot recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Rodriguez contributed 13 points and went 3-3 from the free-throw line. Nevaeh Brown and Peterson each dished out seven assists.
The Knights head back to Orlando as they host High Point for their last non-conference game Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.