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

Avery K. Bristow

ago 2 hours

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

The USF women’s basketball team triumphed over Wichita State, securing their fifth consecutive victory. The game took place on January 17, where the Bulls showcased a formidable blend of offense and defense to clinch a 75-53 win.

Game Summary

South Florida improved their season record to 12-7 and 5-1 in conference play. In contrast, Wichita State fell to 3-15 overall, remaining winless in the American Athletic Conference with a record of 0-6.

First Quarter Highlights

USF began strongly, scoring 12 of their 18 first-quarter points from inside the paint.
Wichita State sought high-percentage shots to compete and ended the first quarter with a narrow 19-18 lead.
USF’s guard Katie Davidson contributed significantly, scoring a layup to close the gap before the end of the quarter.

Coaching Strategy

Interim head coach Michelle Woods-Baxter chose not to call any timeouts early in the game. This decision allowed the players to navigate challenges on the court without external interruptions.

Defensive Dominance

The Bulls’ defense proved crucial in the second quarter, limiting Wichita State to just six points. With seven steals and two blocks, USF’s aggressive defense disrupted their opponents’ offensive rhythm. Davidson emphasized the importance of their defensive strategy: “We take pride on defense. We want to get stops, not just trade baskets.”

Key Performers

Katie Davidson led USF with a season-high 24 points, alongside 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Senior guard Edyn Battle contributed 14 points and achieved a career-best 10 assists.

Second Half Performance

South Florida maintained their momentum into the third quarter, outscoring Wichita State 22-12. Every time the Shockers tried to regain control, the Bulls countered effectively, keeping a comfortable lead throughout the remainder of the game.