By Tom Zebold
USF Communications
TAMPA – The Bulls played their home nonconference slate to perfection this season.
Kaneisha Saunders posted a team-high 20 points and Jasmine Wynne added 19 to help the USF women's basketball team handle Maryland Eastern Shore, 71-50, on Saturday afternoon. USF (7-5) improved to 4-0 at the USF Recreation Center, where the Bulls have outscored their opponents, 296-189.
“Our kids will continue to fight, play hard and work hard, and I think you saw that today,” head coach Jose Fernandez said.
USF definitely did the job on the defensive end, forcing 28 turnovers after averaging 30 in the past three games.
“Our pressure is a strong point,” Fernandez said.
USF used its up-tempo offense, however, to pull away from Maryland Eastern Shore in the first half and grab a 39-23 lead by the break.
“We just have to take advantage of our athleticism, speed and quickness,” Fernandez said. “Our conditioning level is very good.”
Wynne broke up a two-point game with a steal and layup that was the start of a 9-0 run midway through the opening period that gave USF a 22-11 lead. The senior guard scored seven straight points during the stretch and finished the half with 13 points, which marked her eighth straight game in double figures.
“She's been great on and off the floor,” Fernandez said. “She's been that coach in that locker room that you need.”
USF's point total at the break was only six fewer than it scored in a loss to Auburn on Wednesday night.
The Bulls' defense also shined, forcing 13 turnovers and holding the Hawks to 33 percent from the field (9-for-27). Six of those turnovers were steals with Tiffany Conner producing three of them.
USF's lead never dipped below 16 points in the second half, while its bench came through with a nice spark on the offensive end.
Junior guard Andrell Smith finished with 11 points and freshman guard Shalethia Stringfield chipped in with nine, including seven in the first half.
“They understand right now what we need from them,” Fernandez said. “Both of them have to play well for us to have an opportunity to be successful.”
The Bulls will hit the road for a pair of games at the Saint Peter's Holiday Classic in Jersey City, N.J., starting with Dayton on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m.
NOTES
- Jasmine Wynne posted her eighth straight game in double figures with 19 points. The senior guard came into the game leading the Bulls at 14 points per game. The guard scored 13 in the first half.
- The Bulls are 4-0 at the USF Recreation Center this season and have outscored opponents, 296-189.
- Guard Sasha Bernard and forward Tahira Johnson each earned their second start of the season. Bernard and Johnson each started Wednesday against Auburn.
