Women's Hoops Begins Road Swing at Arizona State Wednesday

TEMPE, Arizona - In the first game of both its furthest and longest road trip of the season, the UCF women's basketball team ventures west for a Wednesday tilt with Arizona State at the Desert Financial Arena at 8:30 p.m. EST.

The Knights will strive to secure their first Big 12 victory against the Sun Devils, whose historic 15-0 start came to an end last week against BYU.

• Opponent: Arizona State Sun Devils
• Date: Sunday, January 7
• Location: Tempe, Arizona
• Venue: Desert Financial Arena
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• On the Call: Alex Coil (PxP), Kelly Burke (Analyst)

About the Sun Devils

Arizona State welcomes UCF days after its historic 15-0 start came to an end after a 71-62 defeat against BYU in Provo. The start was the best in program history, while the 15 consecutive wins match the program record set by the 2008-09 and 2015-16 squads. The Sun Devils are led by the offensive prowess of Gabby Elliott, who is a true three-level scorer, leading the team in field goals and three pointers. This will be the second all-time meeting between the two programs as Big 12 mates.

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 12th most points by a player in the NCAA this season. The New Jersey native now ranks sixth in the Big 12 with 18.2 points per game and 50th in the nation in scoring average. 

Non-Conference Rundown

The Knights posted an 8-3 record in head coach Sytia Messer's fourth non-conference slate with the Knights. The win marked Messer's 100th career win across seven seasons and two schools, joining the century club in a dominating 78-56 triumph over Morgan State. Messer has tallied eight or more non-conference wins in each season at UCF. The Black and Gold outscored their opponents 799-625 (+174), winning four contests by 20+ points, while all three defeats came by a combined 10 points.

Paint Production

UCF has been dominant in the paint through the season, outscoring its opposition 514-398 (+116) below the basket. The Knights have tallied two 52-point outings and five 40-plus-point performances in the paint, winning the matchup 9 of 14 contests. UCF's post players are averaging nearly 30 points a game, with Khyala Ngodu leading the charge with 10.9 points per game.

Everybody Eats

Before the season, Coach Messer expressed her excitement about the depth of the squad, noting that all 14 players have the ability to make an impact. Through 14 games, that sentiment rings true, as the Knights currently rank fourth in the Big 12 and 66th in the NCAA with 24.9 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 348-237 (+111), reaching 20-plus in nine 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.