ORLANDO – The UCF women’s basketball dropped its annual Pink Game to No. 12 Baylor, 93-63, Sunday afternoon at Addition Financial Arena.
The matchup marked UCF’s second consecutive game against a top-25 opponent and the eighth consecutive contest against a Big 12 team ranked in the top half of the NET. A pair of season highs from Samari Bankhead (15 pts.) and Kayanna Cox (13 pts.) led the Black and Gold’s offensive production.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Baylor set the tone early with efficient scoring and pressure on both ends of the floor. The Bears shot nearly 60% from the field and knocked down 50% from three, while limiting UCF to just 41% shooting and 29% from deep. Baylor also dominated the rebounding battle, finishing with 40 boards to UCF’s 25, including 31 rebounds on the defensive glass that limited second-chance opportunities for the Knights.
UCF’s offense struggled to string together consistent runs, especially in the first half, as stops were hard to come by against Baylor’s disciplined defense. Despite the deficit, the Knights continued to attack inside and found some momentum on the interior, but turnovers and missed perimeter shots kept Baylor comfortably in front.
Despite the final margin, the Knights showed strong resolve in the fourth quarter, delivering their most efficient stretch of the afternoon. UCF outscored Baylor 21-18 in the final period while shooting nearly 44% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Black and Gold also connected on three of four free throws in the closing frame, continuing to push the pace and compete until the final buzzer in front of the crowd at Addition Financial Arena.
Baylor’s balanced scoring kept the momentum on its side throughout the afternoon and helped push the Bears’ advantage into double figures by halftime and beyond.
LEADING THE WAY
UCF received strong individual efforts despite the loss:
- Samari Bankhead led the Knights with a career high of 16 points on the afternoon.
- Mahogany Chandler-Roberts continued her streak of solid scoring performances with 12 points, marking another double-figure outing.
- Kayanna Cox matched her career high in points with an impressive 13 total.
On the Baylor side, Taliah Scott led all scorers with 26 points, and the Bears featured multiple double-figure scorers as they controlled the pace from start to finish.
UP NEXT
UCF will look to rebound as it continues Big 12 play Wednesday night against Kansas State in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena at 7 pm.
SINGLE GAME AND SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
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.