USF Women’s Basketball Secures Fifth Consecutive Win on Alumni Night

USF women’s basketball achieved its fifth straight victory on Alumni Night, overpowering Wichita State with a score of 75-53. The game showcased a strong performance from South Florida, now boasting a record of 12-7 overall and 5-1 in the American Athletic Conference.

Dominant Performance Against Wichita State

USF’s strategy focused on establishing an advantage in the paint. The Bulls scored 12 of their first-quarter points from inside the arc. Wichita State attempted to counter with similar tactics, trying to exploit opportunities inside the paint.

Back-and-Forth First Quarter

• Wichita State led 19-18 at the end of the first quarter.
• USF guard Katie Davidson’s layup brought the Bulls within one point late in the quarter.

Interim head coach Michelle Woods-Baxter refrained from calling timeouts to let her players handle the game’s ebb and flow. “We were really trading baskets, and I was not afraid the game would get out of hand,” she commented.

Strong Defensive Stand

As the second quarter began, USF asserted themselves convincingly. A layup from senior forward Ines Piper shifted the momentum in the Bulls’ favor, setting the stage for a dominant defensive display. The team restricted Wichita State to just six points in that quarter.

• South Florida secured seven steals and two blocks in the first half.
• Davidson led the team with 17 points by halftime.

Davidson emphasized the importance of defense for the team, stating, “We don’t wanna go bucket for bucket, we want to get stops.”

Continued Offensive Surge

USF maintained its lead throughout the third quarter, outscoring the Shockers 22-12. Each time Wichita State attempted a comeback, the Bulls responded effectively to keep them at bay.

• Senior guard Edyn Battle contributed significantly with 14 points and a season-high 10 assists.
• Davidson finished with a season-best 24 points, along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, the Bulls look to carry their momentum into their next game against Temple on Wednesday. USF’s combination of solid defense and potent offensive plays illustrates their rising competitiveness in the conference.