ORLANDO- The UCF women’s basketball team fell to No. 24 Oklahoma State, 72-58, Saturday afternoon in Addition Financial Arena.
Although the Knights (7-10, 0-7 Big 12) put up 22 points in a final quarter push, it wasn't enough to defeat the Cowgirls (15-3, 5-2) the second-ranked offense in the conference.
UCF outrebounded Oklahoma State 42-38 but its 23 turnovers were an Achilles heel with Oklahoma State using them to its advantage totaling 20 points off turnovers.
Oklahoma State jumped out on the Knights early, going on an 11-0 run in the first quarter. A jumper from Achol Akot cut the Cowgirls' momentum but they still managed to outscore the home team 25-14.
The Knights found their defensive rhythm in the second only allowing 16 points against their 12. Although Oklahoma State ended the half with a 15-point edge (41-26), UCF’s defensive efforts sent them into the locker room on a three-minute scoring drought.
The Knights struggled to get going in the second half, only putting up 10 points in the third period while giving up nine rebounds and six turnovers. However, a jumper from Kaitlin Peterson gave UCF energy in the final stretch of the game to outscore the Cowgirls 22-14 in the fourth quarter and allowed no field goals in the final 6:48.
Adeang Ring led UCF in points, recording a career-high of 12, tallying eight of them in the final quarter. Neveah Brown and Emely Rodriguez also were able to tack on nine points apiece with Khyala Ngodu grabbing eight rebounds for the Knights.
The Knights head into their bye week and resume play Saturday, January 25 for a matchup at Iowa State with tipoff slated for 5 p.m.