USF Bulls Headed to NCAA Tournament

A Shining Moment for Tampa

OK, so it’s an off-the-board possibility, a far-fetched scenario calling for momentum, moxie, and, yes, a miracle. But in theory, it’s there, attainable, a shining moment to be seized.

USF Makes History

The city of Tampa could have one of its very own competing in next month’s Women’s Final Four at Amalie Arena. USF has made the NCAA Tournament’s 68-team field.

Impressive Victory for USF

Behind a balanced, mostly efficient scoring attack and a stifling perimeter defense, the No. 3-seeded Bulls (23-10) led wire to wire Wednesday night in a 69-62 triumph against Rice in the American Athletic Conference Tournament final in Fort Worth, Texas. USF is headed to the NCAA tourney for the 10th time and fourth in the past five seasons.

Coach Fernandez Believes in His Team

“This is a special group,” said coach Jose Fernandez, who has presided over all 10 NCAA berths. “They had to win three games in three days. There was a lot of disappointment, us losing on the road (Feb. 26) at Tulsa and then losing at home (March 1) to East Carolina and playing ourselves out of the at-large (bid) conversation. So, I think they came to Fort Worth with a purpose and it showed. It showed all three days.”

Key Player Performances

Mostly devoid of a shooting touch (32.6% from the floor) in their first two tournament contests, the Bulls hit five of their first eight field goals — and their first three 3-point tries — Wednesday, while flourishing in dribble penetration and Fernandez’s assorted set plays.

Victory for USF

USF’s lead never fell below five the rest of the game, as the Bulls made seven of their final eight free throws. Brito (17 points, nine rebounds) was named tournament MVP.

Conclusion

Today, the proof is in the bracketology. “I tell you right now, if we get somewhere around a 12 or 13 (seed), and if I was a (No.) 4 or a 5 I wouldn’t want to play us,” Fernandez said. “I’d be upset if we had to play us.”

FAQs

Q: How many times has USF made it to the NCAA Tournament?

A: USF is headed to the NCAA tourney for the 10th time and fourth in the past five seasons.

Q: Who was named tournament MVP?

A: Brito (17 points, nine rebounds) was named tournament MVP.