Buckets on Buckets
The Knights produced a historic shooting clip against Florida A&M in their convincing 76-59 triumph on Nov. 21, connecting on 55.1% of field goal attempts, a mark that ranks 11th in program history and the best percentage under head coach Sytia Messer. The performance was the best shooting performance since a March 2, 2020 contest with Wichita State (56.1). UCF's previous best under Messer came in a Dec. 19, 2023 triumph over Morgan State (54.8).
Everybody Eats
Before the season, coach Messer talked on her excitement about the depth of the squad, with all 14 players having the ability to make an impact. Through four games, that sentiment rings true, as the Knights currently rank third in the Big 12 and 46th in the NCAA with 30.0 points per game off the bench. Against the Rattlers, the UCF bench tallied 41 of its 76 points, the 16th most off the bench in a single game in program history. 10 or more Knights have scored in three of the Black and Gold's four games.
Harmon's Hot Start
Miami transfer and sophomore guard Leah Harmon has been dominant through her first four games, leading the Knights in scoring with a combined 61 points, setting career marks vs. Bethune-Cookman (14 pts.), then Charlotte (17 pts.). Harmon's 61 points through her first four contests at UCF are the second most by a transfer this decade and the fourth most by any Knight in the first two games of a season since 2015. The sophomore has connected on five field goals in each of her first four games, with half of her 20 coming from beyond the arch. Harmon currently ranks 15th in the Big 12 with 15.3 points per game.
Sunshine State Dominance
The Knights have won seven straight games against in-state opponents, commencing the season with a perfect 3-0 record to match their 2024-25 tally. Wins over Bethune-Cookman, FIU and Florida A&M continue the trend of success against in-state foes, as coach Messer boasts a 7-3 record, with the last defeat coming back in December 2023. Across their last six contests with Florida opposition, the Knights have outscored them a combined 484-322 (+162), scoring 75-plus in each game. UCF will conclude its Sunshine State slate against Stetson on Dec. 3 in Orlando.
67... And Many More
In the program's annual kids day game, a strong second-half performance from the Knights propelled them past FIU, 79-61, the most points scored by UCF in the young season... The host's success was in large part due to their success from the free throw line, connecting on 18 of 20 attempts, breaking the program record for single-game free throw percentage with at least 20 attempts (90%)... Previous high came on Jan. 13, 2011 against UAB (0.899, 24-27).
Opening Knight Success
Head coach Sytia Messer improved to 4-0 in season openers with the Knights as her squad dominated Bethune-Cookman 75-36 in front of 6,000-plus at Addition Financial Arena... The 39-point win margin also stands as the second-largest victory under Messer, sitting just a point away from the 40-point win against Winthrop (72-32)... All-time the Knights are 26-23 in season openers and 35-14 in home openers... In the four contests, UCF has outscored its opponents 324-175 in season-opening contests
Season-openers under coach Messer:
- Nov. 3, 2025 vs. Bethune-Cookman | W, 75-36 (+39)
- Nov. 5, 2024 vs. Iona | W, 76-44 (+32)
- Nov. 6, 2023 vs. Bethune-Cookman | W, 101-63 (+38)
- Nov. 7, 2022 vs. Winthrop | W, 72-32 (+40)
