UCF women’s basketball achieved a significant win against South Carolina State on Monday, securing their third consecutive victory with a 94-49 result at Addition Financial Arena. This game marked the first meeting between the two teams.
The Knights, now holding a 4-1 record, delivered their largest win margin under head coach Sytia Messer. Leah Harmon led the team with 17 points while Savannah Scott contributed 13 points. UCF finished the game shooting 54% from the field, 47% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. Their defense limited South Carolina State to just 28% shooting overall and only 16% from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs managed only one successful field goal in their last 25 attempts during the first half.
According to program records, this was UCF’s first win by more than 40 points since defeating Winthrop in November 2022. The Knights also held South Carolina State to just six field goals out of 35 attempts in one half, marking a new low for opponent field goal percentage in program history.
Leah Harmon has scored most of her points this season during first halves and has consistently made multiple three-pointers and five or more field goals in each of her first five games with UCF. The team’s performance at the free-throw line was notable, converting 31 of their 39 attempts—the highest number since January against Houston.
UCF continued its strong offensive showing by making over half of its shots for the second consecutive game. The bench contributed significantly with 49 points, tying for third-most bench points in a single game for the program. The Knights’ second-half output included scoring over 50 points—something not achieved since November last year against Bethune-Cookman.
The game’s progression saw an early three-pointer from Harmon and physical play inside by Scott setting the tone. After an initial run by South Carolina State, UCF’s defense held them to only one basket out of their last fifteen attempts to end the first period with a lead. In the second quarter, UCF kept South Carolina State scoreless for over seven minutes while building on their advantage.
In the third period, UCF started strong offensively and ended up scoring a season-high for points in a single period. They maintained high shooting percentages through to the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing a dominant victory and holding their opponent under fifty points.
With this homestand complete, UCF will participate in the Discover Puerto Rico Shootout later this week in San Juan where they will face East Carolina, Wake Forest, and Rice.
Single-game and season tickets are currently available online at ucfknights.com/tickets or via phone at (407) 823-1000.
“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,” according to information provided by UCF Athletics.
