The University of South Florida, better known as the Bulls, are 8-2 overall in the season. They traveled to Austin, Texas, to play against No. 22 Texas. After two losses in a row, they were ready to get back in the winning column. And Friday night, they did just that; they took down the Longhorns in front of 5,021 Texas fans, 70-65. This win marks the first against a team of the Top 25 since last season when they defeated No. 7/5 Stanford, 57-54 in the Bahamas.
A big win for the Bulls
The Bulls led by as many as 11 points in the game and made a 13-2 run to take the lead 41-32 before the half. Three players made a difference in Friday night’s game for USF and helped the Bulls win.
- Sammie Puisis, a 6’1 guard, finished with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and a steal. She played 40 minutes and went 10-19 from the field.
- Elena Tsineke, a 5’7 guard, finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and a block. She was short of playing 40 minutes. Tsineke’s 22 points mark her 66th career double-figure scoring game in a Bulls uniform.
- Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, a 6’4 forward, finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal. This marks her 38th career double-double and her 13th in a Bulls uniform.
Listen to @CoachJFernandez following last night’s big 70-65 win at No. 22/18 Texas. 1/2#HornsUp🤘 | #RunWithUs pic.twitter.com/FnPYUKkxy7
— USF W. Basketball (@USFWBB) December 3, 2022
Part 2 of @CoachJFernandez following last night’s big 70-65 win at No. 22/18 Texas. 2/2#HornsUp🤘 | #RunWithUs pic.twitter.com/mPHGtgthTA
— USF W. Basketball (@USFWBB) December 3, 2022
The Bulls had a 24 fast break points vs. 11 fast break points for the Longhorns. Even though the Longhorns won the points in the paint with (40), they also dominated the boards with (38); the Bulls had a better shooting night finishing the game 52.8 % from the field and 52.9% from three. The Longhorns had a 40% from the field, which impacted the game. And when you finish the game with a 71% from the free-throw line, it gives the Bulls an advantage. However, Texas could have won this game if they had a better shooting night. Also, the Longhorns’ bench outscored the Bulls’ bench. Texas had all the tools to win this battle, but the Bulls’ shot the lights out.
The Bulls have been on the road and close out its five-game road stretch on Sunday, Dec. 11, when they travel to Raleigh, N.C., to face No. 12/11, ranked NC State. The tip-off is set for 2 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN +.
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