Tampa, Fla. Dec. 9, 2023 – The University of South Florida women’s basketball (6-3) welcomes Gardner-Webb (0-8) for its Dog Rescue Awareness Game on Sunday, Dec. 10. Tipoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. and the action will stream live on ESPN+.
SETTING THE STAGE
The Bulls wrapped up November as winners of six of nine contests and are looking for their sixth straight home victory of the season. Gardner-Webb has lost eight straight matchups to open the season and is looking for its first win of the campaign.
THE SOUTH FLORIDA-GARDNER-WEBB SERIES
Sunday marks the first-ever meeting between the Bulls and Runnin’ Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb is the third Big South foe that South Florida will face in nonconference play this season.
LAST TIME OUT
South Florida dominated Charleston Southern, 81-35, last Thursday in the Yuengling Center. Senior forward Evelien Lutje Schipholt led the way with a double-double performance, composed of a season-best 17 points and 11 boards, while adding three steals. Senior guard Maria Alvarez (16 points) and sophomore wing Carla Brito (14 points) rounded out the additional pair of Bulls in double figures. Freshman guard Vittoria Blasigh (five assists) and sophomore guard Marina Asensio (five assists) combined for 10 of USF’s 16 total assists.
BULL LEADERS
South Florida has two players averaging double figures, led by Blasigh (13.2 ppg.). Blasigh (26 3PM) is ranked 3rd nationally among NCAA freshmen in 3-pointers made. Sophomore wing Carla Brito (10.6 ppg.) leads on the glass with 7.4 rebounds per contest, which ranks fourth in the American. Redshirt senior guard Aerial Wilson dishes out a team-best 3.7 assists per contest. Wilson’s 33 total assists ranks fifth in the American.
HELP A FURRY FRIEND TODAY
Several local dog rescues, shelters, and vendors will be on-site at Gate A of the Yuengling Center starting at noon before Sunday’s game. Along with furry friends who are available for adoption and can be taken home to their forever home that day! The rescues and shelters in attendance will be accepting donations, which include unwrapped dog toys, dog food, and dog treats. Come check out the rescue initiative to learn about additional ways you can be part of the solution! Additional donation items include gift cards to major pet stores, leashes, food, dog treats, food, blankets, towels, crates, bowls, and beds.
BULLS FANS CAN VOTE FOR PUISIS
Senior guard Sammie Puisis is one of 20 players named to the 2024 Ann Meyers-Drysdale Award watch list, which is annually presented to the top shooting guard in Division I women’s college basketball. Bulls fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting for each of the three rounds. The list will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Myers-Drysdale and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, where a winner will be selected. Fans can vote for Puisis at hoophallawards.com.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase women’s basketball tickets by calling 1-800-GoBulls or at USFBullsTix.com.
ABOUT USF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
For complete coverage of USF women’s basketball, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).
South Florida women’s basketball recorded its 11th 20-win season during the 2022-23 campaign. USF has made 18 postseason tournament appearances and had nine NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez’s 23 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided USF to 11 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2009 WNIT championship, has won over 400 career games, and is the all-time wins leader in the American Athletic Conference.
In 2022-23, the Bulls had four players recognized by The American for impressive seasons, including Elena Tsineke (AAC Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team), Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (AAC Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team), Sammie Puisis (AAC Newcomer of the Year, All-Conference Second Team) and Carla Brito (AAC All-Freshman Team).
– #GoBulls –
