Houston, We Have Liftoff
A balanced UCF attack and vibrant third-quarter display lifted the Knights to a 72-62 triumph in their regular-season finale against the Cougars. Khyala Ngodu (20 points, 10 rebounds), Mahogany Chandler-Roberts (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Kristol Ayson (16 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded a double-double in the win. The Knights are the only team in a Big 12 conference game this season to have three or more players secure a double-double, and are one of just four in the Power Four to do so overall. The triumph also marked the third-consecutive game the Knights have shot 45 percent or better from the field.
It's Khy Time
The longest-tenured Knight, Khyala Ngodu, closed out her regular-season with a bang, leading the Knights in Houston with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. While on the surface, it marked her fifth double-double and third 20-point double-double of the season, her performance was truly one of one. Ngodu is the only player in the NCAA this season to have a game with at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks and four steals. She is also one of four players in the Big 12 to have at least three 20-point double-doubles this season (Audi Crooks, Marta Suarez, Olivia Miles). While averaging 11 points per game this season, the junior ranks 10th in the Big 12 with 1.19 blocks per game.
Who's Stepping Up?
In leading scorer Leah Harmon's absence (last game vs. TCU on Jan. 24), UCF has had multiple Knights step up. Since Jan. 24, the Black and Gold have produced six different starting lineups, with Mahogany Chandler-Roberts and Jacorriah Bracey being the only constants. In that span, the Knights have also had six different leading scorers (see page 10). Over the last nine contests, Kristol Ayson (10 ppg), Bracey (8.4 ppg), Kayanna Cox (6.8 ppg) and Chandler-Roberts (11.2 ppg) have each facilitated the offense alongside Khyala Ngodu.
The More You Mo
Sophomore Mahogany Chandler-Roberts has risen to the occasion in Big 12 play, averaging 9.4 points across UCF's 18 games, producing a consistent stretch over the last 10 with seven double-digit scoring performances. She is one of 30 players to have 10 or more double-digit scoring games in Big 12 play this season. At Cincinnati, Chandler-Roberts paced the Knights with a career-high 19 points on eight field goals.
Back Court Basics
With Harmon on the sidelines, fifth-year Kristol Ayson and sophomore Kayanna Cox have been vital in keeping UCF's offense running. In the regular-season finale at Houston, Ayson recorded her first double-double in Black and Gold with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Washington native has recorded four consecutive double-digit scoring games, while also dishing out 13 assists in that stretch. She is joined by Cox, who has scored 10 or more in three of the last five games, including a career-high 22-point, five-rebound outing vs Kansas State on Feb. 18.
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 the regular season, that sentiment ran true, as the Knights currently rank seventh in the Big 12 with 19.6 points per game off the bench. In non-conference action, the Black and Gold's bench outscored their opponents' bench 379-273 (+106), reaching 20-plus in 10 contests and 30-plus in five games. Overall, UCF has outscored its opponents' bench 568-530 (+38).
Paint Production
UCF has been strong in the paint through the season, outscoring its opposition 994-918 (+56) below the basket. The Knights have outscored each of their last three opponents in the paint (138-108), winning the matchup 19 of 29 contests overall this season. UCF's post players are averaging nearly 30 points a game, with Khyala Ngodu leading the charge with 11 points per game.
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.
