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By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA - A 13-point deficit in Saturday's second half wasn't enough
to keep USF from capping off a week to remember.
Akila McDonald gave USF the go-ahead layup with 24 seconds
remaining and the Bulls held on to beat No. 18/21 Syracuse, 68-66, before a
crowd of 1,299 at the Sun Dome. USF (19-7, 8-5) started its week with a 73-62
win at No. 11/12 Louisville and now has two signature wins on its NCAA
tournament resume.
"I think this team has made a statement beating two top-20
teams in a matter of six days, that's pretty good," head coach Jose Fernandez
said. "I think we'll get some national attention that's for sure."
The Orange (22-4, 10-3) jumped out to a 13-point lead
shortly after the break but couldn't withstand a late USF charge. A pair of
Alisia Jenkins free throws tied the game at 61 before an Andrell Smith
3-pointer put the Bulls ahead, 66-64, with 1:46 remaining.
A layup by Carmen Tyson-Thomas tied it up for Syracuse with
41 seconds left and USF called a timeout to set up their winning score. Andrea
Smith found McDonald in the paint off a cut and the junior delivered in
traffic.
"I was prepared to catch it. I knew Andrea was about to get
doubled, so I just had my hands ready," said McDonald, who added seven
rebounds.
McDonald capped up her clutch performance by grabbing a
defensive rebound with 13 seconds remaining and Syracuse's shot at a win was
over when Rachel Coffey misfired on a desperation attempt from long range.
"It was a fun game to coach. I'm sure our fans enjoyed the
atmosphere in that type of game," Fernandez said.
Andrea Smith posted a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds
to help the Bulls finish with a 43-35 edge on the boards. Andrell Smith
added 16 points and teamed up with her twin sister to make eight of USF's 11
3-pointers.
USF has won three straight (five of its last six) and now
the Bulls wait to see if they're ranked in the top 25 for the first time in
program history.
"I think this team has shown they can play with anybody in
the country. Rutgers is our next focus and we'll go from there," Fernandez
said.
USF faces Rutgers 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday in New Brunswick, N.J., before returning to the Sun Dome to host No. 3
UConn on Saturday, March 2 at noon.
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