UCF and Memphis picked up home wins on Tuesday, while Cincinnati dropped a close matchup to UCLA in Los Angeles.
UCF 60, North Florida 56
Facing a 12-point deficit with 5:33 remaining in the game, UCF (4-2) rallied for an 18-2 run to come out on top in a 60-56 win over North Florida Tuesday evening at CFE Arena.
Freshmen Nyala Shuler and Aliyah Gregory came up with arguably the two most crucial moments of the night. Shuler’s only field goal of the game was the go-ahead layup with 37 seconds remaining. With UCF up 58 to 56, Gregory, who finished the night with 15 points, was fouled with eight seconds left and awarded two free throws. She converted both attempts to seal the game.
Memphis 65, Austin Peay 60
Memphis trailed 30-28 at halftime, but the Tigers (3-4) used a 13-0 run to open the second half and held off Austin Peay (1-6) for a 65-60 victory at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Tuesday.
Ariel Hearn and Mooriah Rowser each posted 15 points to lead a Tigers offense that shot 41 percent (26-63) from the field. Brianna Wright led all players with 13 rebounds, her third double-digit rebounding night in seven games this season while Breigha Wilder-Cochran led all players with five steals. Brea Elmore finished with eight points, three assists and a rebound in 20 minutes off the bench for Memphis.
UCLA 66, Cincinnati 58
Cincinnati put together a late run against UCLA but came up just short, falling by a 66-58 final score Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Rebounds and free throws provided the difference for the Bruins in the non-conference contest with UCLA holding a 57-30 edge on the boards including a 21-5 advantage on offensive rebounds.
Freshman Ana Owens recorded the first double-double of her career with 18 points and 11 rebounds.