TAMPA – The USF Bulls hit the century mark for the first time this season in a 100-75 victory over the Florida A&M University Rattlers on Saturday afternoon. Andrea Smith broke out for 29 points to lead the Bulls, while sister Andrell delivered 26 points to help head coach Jose Fernandez earn the 199th victory of his USF career.
Both Smith sisters have turned in at least 20 points in each of their last two games.
The Bulls (10-2) grabbed a 14-8 advantage after Andrea Smith knocked down a pair of free throws with 14:11 to go in the opening half, but the Rattlers (3-9) closed the gap and would take a 23-20 lead five minutes later on a Kimberly Sparkman three-pointer.
Andrell Smith alone went on a 5-0 run to put USF back in front, and the Bulls led by as many as 13 on their way to a 44-36 lead at the half.
Up 47-40 with 17:47 to go, Andrea Smith put up six straight points and USF opened a 15-0 run. 18 of Smith’s 29 points would come in the second half.
Freshman Courtney Williams also shined down the stretch, posting 10 points after the break on her way to 12 for the game. Williams’ final basket, a jumper with 34 seconds to go, allowed USF to reach the 100-point mark.
USF owned the boards on Saturday, particularly on the offensive end. The Bulls out-rebounded FAMU 52-37, and nearly half (24) were offensive rebounds.
Jasmine Grice turned in a stellar performance in the loss for FAMU, as Grice posted a game-high 30 points and completed the double-double with 11 rebounds. Sparkman posted 22 points including six 3-pointers for the Rattlers.
The Bulls will hit the court again on Monday as they try for the 200th win of Fernandez’ USF career, hosting Detroit Mercy for a 2 p.m. New Years Eve game. USF will open Big East Conference play on January 8 when they welcome in Notre Dame for an 8 p.m. tip-off.
