Dec. 3, 2001

Box Score

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Central Florida used a 20-7 run to start the second half to pull away from Samford University and take an 80-64 Atlantic Sun Conference women's basketball game at the UCF Arena Monday night.

Samford (1-4, 0-2 A-Sun) trailed 27-22 with 4:52 remaining in the first half before Sarah Clement hit back-to-back three-pointers to bring the Bulldogs to within one point. Clement had 10 of her season-high 13 points in the first period. Clement had missed the last three games with a separated shoulder. The Bulldogs ended the first half on a 10-7 run to cut the UCF lead to 34-32 at halftime.

UCF (5-2, 2-0 A-Sun) turned a 50-32 advantage in rebounding into a 26-8 lead in points in the paint in the second half. UCF's Adrienne Billings scored 12 of her game-high 15 points in the second half and Marvelous Washington scored 10 of her 12 points in the second session.

The Golden Knights led 54-39 with 14:34 remaining in the game before Samford answered with a 12-4 run highlighted by a Jennifer East three-pointer which brought the Bulldogs to within seven points at 58-51 with 10:19 to play. East finished the night with 11 points on 3-6 shooting from three-point land. Giovanni Price scored 14 points to lead the Bulldogs. Price has scored in double-figures in all five games she has played. Natalie McLendon chipped in a career-high 13 points and led Samford in rebounding with six boards.

Samford got as close as 66-57 with 6:05 to play but UCF put the game away with a 10-2 run over a two minute stretch to take an 80-61 lead with a minute left in the game. Clement hit her third 3-point shot of the night to make the final score 80-64.

UCF went 20-30 (66 percent) from the free throw line taking advantage of its height inside. 6-3 Ali Roberts scored 14 points and had four blocked shots while Jessica Scala recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. The Golden Knights shot 44 percent (28-63) from the floor while Samford shot 39 percent (25-64).

Samford will not play again until Saturday, Dec. 8, when the Bulldogs travel to Cape Girardeau, Mo., to face future Ohio Valley Conference member Southeast Missouri State.