TAMPA, FL—The USF women’s basketball team took down Marquette at the Sun Dome by a score of 58-48. With the win, the Bulls improved their overall record to 14-5 and 3-3 in Big East play.
The Bulls were in control throughout, but contributions came from unusual sources. The Smith twins got into early foul trouble in the first half, causing head coach Jose Fernandez to sit Andrea and Andrell to avoid further foul issues.
“In our three Big East losses, Andrell Smith has fouled out. We were up, and I just felt that we were up and why risk one of those guys picking up their third,” Fernandez said.
Courtney Williams and Inga Orekhova were both able to pick up the slack for USF, each scoring eight points in the first half.
Arlesia Morse and Brooklyn Pumroy led they way for Marquette in the first half with six points apiece. USF headed into the break with a 24-18 advantage.
Alisia Jenkins hauled down 11 rebounds in the game and Akila McDonald brought down 10 of her own. USF won the rebounding battle 39-37.
Defense set the tone for the Bulls as they forced 23 turnovers and scored 11 fast break points. The USF bench added 18 points.
Morse and Orekhova were tied for the game-high in points with 15 each. The Bulls shot 44% in the second half compared to just 30% in the first.
The Bulls are off until January 30th, when they’ll take on the Louisville Cardinals at home. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m.