UCF AD Keith Tribble met with the women's hoops team last week to discuss the direction they wanted this season to go and what they wanted to accomplish this season. Since that pep talk, the Knights have gone on a 3-game winning streak. The last, being a big victory on the road against conference rival Marshall 71-59, on Sunday.
"I just wanted to let them know that everyone is supporting them," said Tribble following the UTEP game on Thursday. "But I had to remind them that they have to play hard to get respect. They won't get respect just because they have won championships in the past,"
The Knights (14-10, 7-4), who beat Marshall (6-18, 2-9) 68-40 at home earlier this season, were able to control all facets of the game. They out-rebounded the Herd 41-31, including 15 offensive rebounds which led to 18 second chance points. The Knights shot 43 percent from the floor, including nine 3 pointers. Coach Joi Williams was proud of her team's performance today.
"We were able to find our scorers on the outside," said Williams during her post-game show. "And we did a good job on the boards today."
Senior guard Chelsie Wiley led the Knights with 19 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor. Senior forward D'Nay Daniels had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Every Knight, but one, scored at least 2 points in the game and the defense remained solid, holding the Herd to 39 percent shooting from the field.
"I'm really happy with the way we played, especially shorthanded," said Williams. "We didn't let up and played great down the stretch."
The Knights were without standout Junior guard Aisha Patrick Sunday, who was injured in the win versus UTEP. Junior forward Racine Davis took her spot in the starting lineup and finished with 3 points and 5 rebounds.
"We challenged the rest of our team to step up in Pat's absence and they did," said Williams. "It's important to get these road victories, especially after losing two in January."
Junior forward Tynikki Crook had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Herd. Junior forward Rashedah Henriques had 13 points and junior guard Alaya Michell had 12. However, the rest of Marshall's lineup combined for 15 points; only 2 total from the bench.
The Knights return to Orlando for their next two games hoping to build on this winning streak as they will host Tulane on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Sunday at 2 p.m., UCF will battle ECU, who defeated the Knights earlier this season. Both games will be held at the UCF Arena and Coach Williams is looking to get fan support.
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