Knights lose to South Alabama in 3OT, 89-76

Sophomore forward Erika Jones' career-high 24 rebounds couldn't help her teammates climb over the edge against South Alabama on Saturday, as the Jaguars used three overtimes to take a 89-76 win over the Knights.

Nor could Aisha Patrick who led her team with 17 points, followed by junior guard Genevia Carter with 14 points and freshman guard Megan Keough with 11 points.

But the Knights wouldn't have left Mobile, Ala. empty-handed without a gritty fight.

Coming out of the first half, everything appeared to be in favor for UCF

However, UCF's lead vanished quickly from at most 11 points to two at the near end of the second half.

And that's when a USA guard sealed UCF's chance for good. She answered the call with a game-tying layup forcing the game into its first overtime. The score read 55-55.

UCF came back again in the third period as Patrick drew a foul within the late seconds. She went one of two from the free throw line tying the game up.

Aarika Judge then pulled up for a 3-pointer right after Patrick found her open. However, in what would have been the game-winning shot turned out to be nullified as Judge hit the shot right after the final

horn sounded. Going in to the third overtime, the Knights were gassed by then and fell out of rhythm.

"I think we let a few plays bring down our energy and they were able to thrive off that," senior forward Ashia Kelly said. "I know we have the team that can pull out the win. We just need to have confidence in ourselves and trust the things that we do well. In that last period, we weren't executing. We allowed South Alabama to change our style of play and they were able to make plays."

The Jaguars capitalized on a 5-point lead and built from there in the fifth period.

Although The Knights boasted a better field goal percentage than the Jaguars and out-rebounded them by 14 boards, the 31 turnovers they committed ultimately cost them the game.

The Knights return to the UCF Arena for their home opener on Friday at 5 p.m. against Florida A&M with the men's basketball team to follow at 7 p.m. against High Point. The 2010-11 Conference USA championship

banner will be unveiled prior to tip-off.