By Tom Zebold
USF Senior Writer

USF hung tight with another top 10 opponent Saturday afternoon.

The Bulls trailed No. 3 Notre Dame by only three at the break and led early in the second half before suffering an 80-68 loss to the Irish at the Joyce Center in South Bend, Ind.

"Our kids really battled with a very good basketball team," head coach Jose Fernandez said. "We were down three at the half and it was competitive. We've played well against the best teams in the country."

Jasmine Wynne led the Bulls (15-14, 7-8) with 18 points to extend her double-digit scoring streak to 22 games. Inga Orekhova also posted 18 points and was 4-for-9 from 3-point range.

Sasha Bernard stepped up with 12 points, seven steals and five assists in USF's final regular season road game.

The Bulls also trailed UConn by three at the break and put the pressure on Notre Dame (27-2, 14-1) early in the second half. USF grabbed its first lead, 42-41, with 16:48 remaining in the game and had a three-point advantage with less than 15 minutes left.

Skylar Diggins' layup got the Irish back ahead, 45-44, with 14:20 and they never trailed the rest of the way. Diggins scored 18 points, Natalie Novosel posted a career-high 32 points in her final home game and Devereaux Peters added 17.

USF was able to keep it close because of its defense, which forced 21 turnovers against a Notre Dame team that's normally very efficient with the ball. The Bulls have forced 20-plus turnovers in 10 games this season.

"This group has really battled and defended all year," Fernandez said. "I couldn't be more proud of this group."

The Irish were able to pull away by making 26 of 30 free throw shots while the Bulls barely got fouls shots.

"What's disappointing is you're on the road and Notre Dame shoots 30 free throws to our 11," Fernandez said.

The Bulls have a senior night of their own planned for 7 p.m. Monday against Providence at the USF Recreation Center. USF's regular season finale is free for fans.

"We have a chance to go home and finish .500 in this league," Fernandez said. "There is not a league stronger than the Big East."