Tampa, Fla. – Jan. 1, 2025 – Senior forward L’or Mputu matched a career-best 17 points in South Florida women’s basketball’s (9-6, 2-0) 69-68 overtime win against UNC Charlotte (5-8, 0-2) at the Yuengling Center on Wednesday night. South Florida is now the winner of four straight contests and remains undefeated in league play (2-0).
Mputu (17 points) has collared double-figure points for the fourth time this season. Graduate guard Sammie Puisis (14 points) knocked down a trio of 3-pointers, which marked her ninth game of three or more 3-pointers this season). Graduate guard Mama Dembele dished out a season-high 9 assists and 12 points.
Keanna Rembert (15 points) and Alexis Andrews (12 points) combined for 27 of the 49ers points as their scoring leaders.
HOW THE GAME WAS DECIDED
With 15 seconds left to play in the fourth frame, Puisis connected on her third 3-pointer of the night to tie the game, 63-63, all, sending the game to overtime. In the extra action, the Bulls narrowly outscored the 49ers, 6-5, with Blasigh and Levy leading with two points each.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- South Florida is now the winner of four straight contests and remains undefeated in league play (2-0).
- The Bulls are 8-2 in home games this season.
- Mputu (career-best 17 points) hit double-digits for the 4th time this season.
- Dembele (9 assists) has had seven or more assists in five games this season and has scored double-figure points four times this campaign.
- Puisis has knocked down three or more 3-pointers in nine games this season.
- South Florida is now 33-15 all-time in overtime games and Coach Fernandez holds a record of 27-10 in overtime contests.
- Tonight’s contest featured six lead changes and five ties.
UP NEXT
South Florida welcomes Temple to the Yuengling Center on Saturday, Jan. 4 for the program’s Annual Dog Adoption Awareness Game. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. and the action will stream live on ESPN+.
For the annual Dog Adoption Awareness Game, donation items will be accepted and distributed to shelters in need. Acceptable donation items include: Beds, Food, Unused toys, Towels, Crates, Leashes, Puppy pads, Treats, Amazon gift cards, and Chewy gift cards.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase women’s basketball tickets by calling 1-800-GoBulls or at USFBullsTix.com.
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
South Florida women’s basketball has made 18 postseason tournament appearances and had nine NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez’s 25 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided the Bulls to 11 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2008-09 WNIT championship, has won over 450 career games, and is the all-time wins leader in the American Athletic Conference.
For complete coverage of USF women’s basketball, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).
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