USF Basketball Doubleheader: Women’s Cruise Past Jacksonville 84-46; Men’s Can’t Make A Shot, Lose 84-68 to Rhode Island

The #RingSZN Run For Women’s Basketball Gets Off to A Flying Start

Head coach Jose Fernandez had his team humming early in their 84-46 victory versus the Jacksonville University of Dolphins on Saturday inside the Yuengling Center.

Sophomore guard Kristyna Brabencova scored a game-high 18 points, and made four three’s to help pace the Bulls in their season debut. Sydni Harvey (14 points), Elisa Pinzan (11 points), and Beatriz Jordao (12 points) also got into double figures for the Bulls.

Jordao was a force on the defensive side of the ball too as she hauled in 14 rebounds to record her first double-double of the season, and registered four blocks.

Bethy Mununga, and Shae Leverett combined for 20 rebounds, 10 of which were on the offensive glass.

USF assisted on 29 of their 32 made baskets on the night.

The Bulls welcome in No. 4 Baylor on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

Click this link to sign up for ESPN+. You’re gonna need folks.

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Poor Defense, and Shooting Doom Men’s Basketball in Uncasville

The offense stayed in Tampa for Brian Gregory and his crew on Saturday as they fell 84-68 to Rhode Island in the—I swear I’m not making this up—Basketball Hall of Fame Air Force Reserve Tip Off Tournament.

The Bulls couldn’t find a bucket from anywhere on the floor, shooting 39% from the field, 30% from three, and a paltry 60% from the charity stripe. The Bulls missed 12 of their 30 free throws, while the Rams made 30-of-35 FTs.

USF’s defense continued to be a problem in the second game of the year as URI shot 51% from the field, and consistently got easy dribble-drive penetration to cause chaos for the Bulls on the backend. We highlighted that without former point guard Laqunicy Rideau, things could be tough for the Bulls as Caleb Murphy, and Xavier Castaneda take on a larger responsibility on the defensive end, and it has shown up.

Castaneda missed his second straight game due to a hamstring injury, and will likely not play in the Bulls next game either.

David Collins led all scorers with 16 points, but he also had seven turnovers. Murphy finished with 15 points, and five rebounds. He didn’t create an assist, but didn’t turn the ball over. Unlike the women, the men assisted on just six of their 23 made field goals.

Alexis Yetna scored 10 points in 30 minutes of action before fouling out. He was limited versus Florida College on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how much he plays in a back-to-back game.

USF will face Virginia Tech on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.