QUICK HITS
- UCF’s 55.1 shooting percentage from the field marks the 11th best performance in program history and the best under coach Messer.
- The Knights improved to 11-4 all-time over FAMU in Orlando, improving their streak of nine against the Rattlers.
- UCF has now won seven straight games against in-state opponents, going a perfect 3-0 a season ago after splitting a pair of contests in 2023-24. This season, the Knights are 3-0 with wins over Bethune-Cookman, FIU, and now FAMU.
- The Knights under Head Coach Sitya Messer continue to dominate in November, reaching a record of 21-3.
- Leah Harmon totaled 15 points, continuing to be the team’s leading scorer with her fourth-consecutive double-digit scoring performance of the campaign.
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a back-and-forth battle to start Friday night’s contest against the FAMU Rattlers. With points in the paint on both sides of the court, the Knights took their first lead of the game with a 15-4 scoring run, starting with just under three minutes left in the first period. The home faithful kept the momentum going to end the first period, leading 22-15
Going into the second, the trend continued as the Knights continued to improve their lead until one untimely successful free throw by the Rattlers. This proved to be no hardship for the Black and Gold as they kept finding scoring opportunities, only allowing FAMU to score 12 points in the entire second period compared to UCF’s 16.
Strong offensive performances, highlighted by a 61% shooting percentage from the field in the opening 20 minutes, led to the Knights heading to the locker room at the half satisfied.
Starting the third, it was only fitting that the Knights started hot with an immediate three-pointer by Jacorriah Bracey. UCF stayed dominant on offense, going on an 8-0 scoring run before a pair of unfortunate free throws made by the Rattlers.
Though the lead decreased for a short moment, the Knights soon responded, showing that they came to play. It wasn’t just the offense shining in this period; the defense only allowed six total points from FAMU, all of which came from free throws. The defense did not allow a single field goal in the entire quarter.
The Knights showed no signs of slowing down on either side of the court, entering the final period of the game. Though the Rattlers found opportunities to score, it was no match for UCF, as they kept tits strong lead going. The Black and Gold prevailed and secured their third victory of the season with a final score of 76-59.
UP NEXT
The Knights will seek another win against South Carolina State on Monday Night in their last home game in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena before travelling to Puerto Rico to compete in the Discover Puerto Rico Classic.
