Leah Named to Big 12 Starting Five
Fresh off yet another career week, which saw Leah Harmon score 78 points across four games, the sophomore has been named to the Big 12 Starting Five as a top performer, becoming the third Knight to secure a weekly honor since joining the conference. Averaging 19.5 points as the Black and Gold went 3-1, including a 2-1 record at the Discover Puerto Rico Shootout in San Juan, Harmon has broken records throughout her opening eight games of the season. Across the four games, Harmon never scored below 17 points, matching that total in three contests before setting a career high with 27 points in a 57-56 win over Rice. The Miami transfer’s 27 points were the sixth-most in a UCF neutral site game in program history, while her 10 free throws made her just the 16th Knight since 1999 to reach double digits. Harmon has tallied five or more field goals in her first eight games of the season, becoming the first player to do so to open their Black and Gold career. A true three-level scorer, Harmon connected on multiple three-pointers in each game, including three in her final two contests of the week.
Tales from Puerto Rico
The Knights went 2-1 across three competitive games at the 2025 Discover Puerto Rico Classic, defeating East Carolina 75-61 to open action. UCF scored 52 points in the paint to fend off the Pirates, marking the first time the Knights have reached that total since Dec. 7, 2024, against Texas Southern. Against Wake Forest, the Knights ventured to their fourth overtime contest under coach Messer, eventually falling by five despite grabbing a season-high 20 offensive boards and 17 second-chance points. In the finale against Rice, the Black and Gold held on for their 700th win in program history, with Harmon's 27 points leading them to their sixth victory of the season.
Harmon's Hot Start
Miami transfer and sophomore guard Leah Harmon has been dominant through her first eight games, leading the Knights in scoring with a combined 139 points, setting a career high with 27 points against Rice. Harmon's 139 points through her first eight contests at UCF are the second most by a transfer this decade and the second most by any Knight in the first eight games of a season since 2015. The sophomore has connected on five field goals in each of her first eight games, with half of her 20 coming from beyond the arch. Harmon currently ranks seventh in the Big 12 with 17.4 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 Wednesday.
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 about her excitement about the depth of the squad, with all 14 players having the ability to make an impact. Through eight games, that sentiment rings true, as the Knights currently rank fifth in the Big 12 and 72nd in the NCAA with 26.6 points per game off the bench. Against South Carolina State on Nov. 24, UCF scored 49 points from the bench, tied for the third most bench points in a single game in program history.
