NEW ORLEANS, La. – The University of South Florida women’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, securing its 800th program win with a 58-49 victory over Tulane at Avron B. Fogelman Arena. The win also marked the Bulls’ 13th 20-win season in program history, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the American Athletic Conference.
The Bulls (20-11, 13-5 American) closed out their regular season with a hard-fought victory, led by a strong performance from Katie Davidson, who scored 21 points. USF’s success this season is particularly notable as interim head coach Michele Woods-Baxter is the only active interim head coach in Division I men’s or women’s basketball to reach 20 wins this season, a testament to her leadership and the team’s resilience.
The game against Tulane was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 17 lead changes and six ties. South Florida responded to an early Tulane lead with an 8-0 run, but the Green Wave battled back, keeping the game close throughout the first half. The Bulls ultimately pulled away in the fourth quarter, closing the game on a 17-3 run after Tulane briefly regained the lead.
Bulls Dominate on the Boards, Secure Key Victory
Davidson’s 21 points led all scorers, and she added four rebounds and two blocks. L’or Mputu and Carla Brito each recorded double-doubles, with Mputu contributing 10 points and 14 rebounds, and Brito adding 10 points and 12 rebounds. Brito also tied her career-high with four steals, showcasing her defensive prowess. South Florida’s dominance on the boards was a key factor in the victory, as they grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, the highest total during conference play this season, and the third highest overall this season, according to team statistics (24 vs. FIU on Nov. 3 and 21 vs. LIU on Nov. 7).
Woods-Baxter’s Impact and USF’s Consistent Success
Michele Woods-Baxter’s impact as interim head coach has been immediate and significant. Her ability to guide the team to a 20-win season, despite taking over mid-season, underscores her coaching acumen. The Bulls have consistently performed at a high level, posting 20 or more wins in 12 of the last 20 seasons, the most in the American Conference. This sustained success is a testament to the program’s strong foundation and commitment to excellence.
Defensively, USF held Tulane to a 28.1% field goal percentage, marking the second consecutive game where they’ve limited an opponent to below 30% shooting. This defensive intensity played a crucial role in securing the win and demonstrates the team’s commitment to shutting down opposing offenses.
Looking Ahead: American Athletic Conference Tournament
As the No. 3 seed in the American Conference Tournament, South Florida will face either No. 6 UTSA, No. 7 Temple, or No. 10 Tulane in the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 12 at 3 p.m. ET at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. The Bulls hold a 5-1 record against these potential opponents this season, giving them a favorable outlook heading into the tournament. GoUSFBulls.com provides further details on the tournament and team information.
Tickets for the American Conference Tournament quarterfinals are available by calling 1-800-GO-BULLS (1-800-462-8557) or emailing [email protected].
The Bulls’ journey through the American Athletic Conference Tournament promises to be exciting, and their recent success, coupled with their strong defensive play and balanced scoring, positions them as a strong contender for the championship. Fans can follow USF women’s basketball on X, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates and information.
What comes next for the Bulls will be determined by their performance in Birmingham. The team’s ability to maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on offensive opportunities will be crucial as they navigate the tournament bracket and strive for a conference championship.
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