South Florida Bulls
Big East (21-10, 9-7)
South Florida started making some national noise in late February when they beat Louisville and Syracuse in back-to-back games. But before that the Bulls were playing well and got a couple nice Big East road wins. The Bulls did not have the toughest schedule, but they held their own against the elite of the conference.
Big Wins: 2/20 at Louisville (73-62), 2/23 Syracuse (68-66), 3/4 at Georgetown (63-35)
Bad Losses: 12/22 vs Creighton (74-91), 2/12 St. John’s (59-65), 2/26 at Rutgers (56-68)
Coach: Jose Fernandez
Why They Can Surprise:
Coach Jose Fernandez has three big-time scorers on the perimeter. Andrea and Andrell Smith lead the way. Andrea is the more dynamic scoring threat. She knocks down 37.8 percent of her attempts from long range, but can also get to the basket. Andrea is just 5-8, but she will mix it up in the paint and is a great rebounder for a 5-8 guard. Andrell is a dynamic scoring threat as well and just as tough on the glass. However, Andrell can find the other scorers on the team and her 4.7 assists per game lead the team. The other scorer is 6-2 wing Inga Orekhova. She is another major outside shooting threat and when the Smith’s and Orekhova’s shots are falling, the Bulls can put up points in a hurry.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Coach Fernandez has plenty of depth in the frontcourt, but foul trouble has been an issue. Alisia Jenkins and Akila McDonald are the usual starters up front. Jenkins is the only relatively consistent scoring threat in the paint. However, Jenkins and McDonald are both very strong rebounders and this is one of the better rebounding teams in the nation. With Orekhova also mixing it up in the paint, South Florida also has a few quality shot blockers. The result is a strong defense but, at times, an inconsistent offense. Without a true post threat on offense, the Bulls often do not get open looks for their scorers on the perimeter. That has not been too much of a problem throughout the season since Smith, Smith and Orekhova have done a great job creating their own shots, but the margin for error in March is slim and those three will need to make the most of their opportunities.
Probable Starters:
Andrell Smith, Senior, Guard, 13.8 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.9 rpg, 2.3 spg
Andrea Smith, Senior, Guard, 16.5 ppg, 1.5 apg, 5.2 rpg
Inga Orekhova, Junior, Guard, 12.2 ppg, 2.6 apg
Alisia Jenkins, Freshman, Forward, 6.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg
Akila McDonald, Junior, Center, 3.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.7 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Tiffany Conner, Senior, Forward, 2.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Caitlin Rowe, Senior, Center, 2.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Kaneisha Saunders, Senior, Guard, 2.3 ppg, 1.3 apg
Courtney Williams, Freshman, Guard, 7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 70.3 (33rd in nation, 6th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 59.5 (120, 9)
Field-Goal Percentage: 38.0 (195, 10)
Field-Goal Defense: 35.6 (38, 3)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.6 (42, 4)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.3 (54, 2)
Free-Throw Percentage: 68.4 (186, 11)
Rebound Margin: 5.6 (42, 5)
Assists Per Game: 13.9 (88, 8)
Turnovers Per Game: 16.5 (140, 8)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2012 NIT First Round win over Florida Atlantic
2012 NIT Second Round win over Florida International
2012 NIT Third Round loss to James Madison
2010 NIT Round of 64 loss to Florida
2009 NIT Second Round win over Florida Gulf Coast
2009 NIT Third Round win over Mississippi
2009 NIT Fourth Round win over St. Bonaventure
2009 NIT Semifinal win over Boston College
2009 NIT Final win over Kansas
2008 NIT First Round loss to Florida Gulf Coast
2007 NIT Second Round win over Coppin State
2007 NIT Third Round loss to Virginia
*all team stats through 3/7
See All Women’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
