CINCINNATI, Ohio - Despite a strong start to each half, the UCF women’s basketball team dropped its Saturday tilt at Cincinnati, 73-60.
The Knights were led by the offensive efforts of Mahogany Chandler-Roberts, who tallied a career-high 19 points and 8-15 clip from the field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
A point of emphasis heading into Saturday’s tilt was starting strong, as a string of first-quarter struggles over the last few games put the Knights in early holes from the jump. UCF got on the board immediately after Jacorriah Bracey connected on a jumper at the top of the key, the first of six field goals the visitors downed in their first 10 attempts.
Mahogany Chandler-Roberts’ efforts, both on the offensive and defensive end, were a highlight of the opening period, as the sophomore scored seven straight to give the Knights a 13-10 lead heading into the first media timeout. A six-of-eight stretch from the field to close the quarter put the Black and Gold up 17-15, as 24 of the combined 32 points in the period came in the paint, announcing a physical battle that has become a staple of this matchup.
The second quarter proved to be a different tale for the Knights, with the Bearcats halting UCF’s offensive momentum. Multiple cold spells opened the door for hosts to piece together a trio of five-plus scoring runs, and in the process, take a comfortable 10-point lead into the break.
The Bearcat offense dropped 26 in the period on an efficient 7-12 clip from the field and three from beyond the arc, all while getting to the line 11 times, while the Knights didn’t attempt a single free throw.
While Cincinnati opened the second half on an 8-4 run, the Black and Gold defense dug in and began to cause the hosts' troubles. After a Mya Perry jumper at the six-minute mark, the Bearcats didn’t connect on another field goal for the rest of the period, scoring just three in the span at the free throw line.
Offensively, the Knights found their stride, scoring 12 straight to close the period behind eight from Chandler-Roberts, who, in the process, surpassed her 10th double-digit scoring performance of the Big 12 slate.
After cutting the deficit to nine entering the final 10 minutes, the Bearcats bounced back on the offensive end to discontinue a potential UCF comeback, outscoring the Knights 21-17 in the period to take the contest 73-60.
UP NEXT
The Knights will return to Orlando for their home finale Wednesday night vs. No. 19 West Virginia. Kristol Ayson and Jacorriah Bracey will be honored for senior night prior to the 7 p.m. tipoff.
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.