Women's Hoops Returns Home to Host Cincinnati Wednesday Night

ORLANDO - Fresh off its first Big 12 win of the season at Arizona last Sunday, the UCF women's basketball team will return home to Addition Financial Arena, welcoming Cincinnati for a Wednesday tilt at 7 p.m.

The Knights took care of business in Tucson, fending off the Wildcats to claim a 58-55 triumph in the last of two games in the Grand Canyon State. UCF will strive to keep the momentum as it looks for its first win over the Bearcats as conference mates.

• Opponent: Cincinnati Bearcats
• Date: Wednesday, January 14
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Venue: Addition Financial Arena
• Time: 7 p.m.
• On the Call: Scott Adams (PxP), BJ Adams (Analyst), and Cecily Webb (Sideline)
• Promo: NCAA Level Up Night

About the Bearcats

Cincinnati is just a game removed from a 71-63 upset win over then-No. 11 Iowa State in Cincinnati, marking the highest-ranked win in program history and the first ranked win since 2011. Senior Mya Perry scored 26 in the win, as she paces the Bearcats with 17.9 points per game, the fifth-best scoring average in the Big 12. UCF is looking for its first win against Cincinnati since joining the Big 12 together ahead of 2023-24, losing three games that season and dropping its lone contest last year.

It's Khy Time
Junior Khyala Ngodu led UCF to its first Big 12 win of the season at Arizona with a dominant 22-point, 13-rebound double-double in Tucson, also adding a team-leading five assists and four steals. The performance ranks among the best in the Big 12 this season, as Ngodu is one of four players in the Big 12 this season to secure a 20-point double-double in a conference game (Audi Crooks - Iowa State, Marta Suarez - TCU, Reese Ross - Utah). It joins a similar 21-point, 13-rebound performance against Wake Forest at the Discover Puerto Rico Shootout on Nov. 27. Ngodu is one of just 12 players in the NCAA this season to record 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 4+ assists and 4+ steals in a single game (1 of 4 in Power 4).

Harmon's Career Day
The best in a line of incredible performances to open her UCF account, Leah Harmon scored 38 points vs. Kansas on Jan. 4, a career high for the sophomore and the third most by a Knight in a single game since 1999. The total also marks the fifth most by a player in the Big 12 this season, the second most by a player in a Big 12 matchup, and is tied for the 14th most points by a player in the NCAA this season. The New Jersey native now ranks eighth in the Big 12 with 16.4 points per game and 96th in the nation in scoring average.

Paint Production
UCF has been dominant in the paint through the season, outscoring its opposition 570-472 (+98) below the basket. The Knights have tallied two 52-point outings and five 40-plus-point performances in the paint, winning the matchup 10 of 16 contests. UCF's post players are averaging nearly 30 points a game, with Khyala Ngodu leading the charge with 10.8 points per game.

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 16 games, that sentiment rings true, as the Knights currently rank fourth in the Big 12 and 83rd in the NCAA with 23.6 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. In non-conference action, the Black and Gold's bench outscored their opponents bench 377-260 (+117), reaching 20-plus in 10 contests and 30-plus in five games.

SINGLE GAME AND SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

UCF women's basketball single-match and season tickets are on sale now. Be sure to catch all the action at Addition Financial Arena. Tickets can be purchased online at ucfknights.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at (407) 823-1000.

ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS

UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.