USF Women’s Basketball Team Poised for NCAA Tournament Success
In the immediate wake of his team’s 69-62 triumph against Rice in the American Athletic Conference tournament final, USF coach Jose Fernandez suggested the Bulls could lurk as a dangerous double-digit seed in the NCAA tourney.
Ready for Action
Starting Friday in Columbus, Ohio, their bracket-busting endeavors begin in earnest, against one of the most storied programs in the women’s game.
Strong Seed
Sure to Fernandez’s forecast, the Bulls (23-10) have been seeded 12th in Regional 3 and will open play against No. 5-seeded Tennessee. USF earned a tourney berth by winning three games in as many days to capture last week’s American Athletic Conference tournament in Fort Worth, Texas.
Previous Success
It has been a double-digit seed twice before, defeating No. 7 Texas Tech 71-70 as 10-seed in 2013 and falling 66-64 to No. 6 Missouri on a buzzer-beating put-back as an 11-seed in 2017.
Coach’s Confidence
“This is a special group,” Fernandez said Sunday night during the Bulls’ selection-show watch party inside the Yuengling Center.
Impressive Streak
The Bulls have won 12 of their last 14, never trailing in their final two AAC tourney contests. They embarrassed ACC champion Duke, 65-56, at home on Dec. 21 and lost by only four to Louisville and seven to Mississippi State in late November contests.
Key Defense
Their stifling perimeter defense, which forced three AAC tourney foes to shoot a collective 16.7% (9 of 54) from 3-point range, will be essential Friday.
Tough Competition Ahead
Though they lost three of their last four in the regular season, the Lady Vols (22-9) enjoyed a resurgence of sorts under first-year coach Kim Caldwell. Tennessee, which presses relentlessly, forces 22.4 turnovers a game and attempts nearly 31 3-pointers per contest.
Final Thoughts
“Tennessee plays a little different; they play 10 or 11 people,” Fernandez said. “They like to shoot the ball from 3-point land, and they run a lot of bodies at you, so I think our perimeter defense is going to have to be really, really good.”
Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls
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Conclusion
The USF women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting run in the NCAA tournament, with Coach Jose Fernandez showing confidence in their ability to make an impact as a double-digit seed.
FAQs
Q: How has the USF women’s basketball team performed in recent games?
A: The Bulls have won 12 of their last 14 games, showcasing their strength and determination on the court.
Q: Who will the USF team face in the opening game of the NCAA tournament?
A: The Bulls will go up against No. 5-seeded Tennessee in their first matchup, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
