FORT WORTH, Texas – March. 12, 2025 – No. 3 seed South Florida (23-10) defeated No. 9 seed Rice (17-17), 69-62, in the 2025 American Women's Basketball Championship final on Wednesday evening, March 12, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
 
With the win, the Bulls (23-10) earned The American's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for Sunday, March 16 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
 
This is South Florida's second American Athletic Conference Championship tournament win, as the Bulls became just the second team in conference history to win multiple conference tournament titles joining UConn (7).

Sophomore guard Vittoria Blasigh led all scorers with 20 points. Junior forward Carla Brito added a stat line of 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a single block. Graduate guards Sammie Puisis (12 points, three assists) and Mama Dembele (13 points, eight assists) combined for 25 of the Bulls points.
 
HOW THE GAME WAS DECIDED
The Bulls shot 50 percent (7-14) from the floor in the first quarter, with Championship Most Outstanding Player Carla Brito leading the team with seven of USF's 18 points scored.
 
After trailing by as many as 15 points in the third quarter, the Owls (17-17) cut the deficit to six points with 9:11 remaining in the game but could not get any closer. This is Rice's first loss in the American Championship, moving to 7-1 all-time.
 
COACH FERNANDEZ SAID

 
HIGHLIGHTS

 
NOTABLE NUMBERS

• The Bulls now hold a record of 21-10 in the AAC Tournament.
• South Florida has won the AAC Tournament Championship for the second time in program history (2020-21). USF is 2-5 in the AAC Tournament Championship game.
• USF is the winner of 12 of their last 14 contests.
• The Bulls have bested Rice for the third time this season
• The last time USF beat a conference opponent three times in a single season was against Tulane during the 2020-21. (W at Tulane 1/13/21 72-53, W vs Tulane 2/20/21 78-69, AACT SF W vs. Tulane 3/10/21 51-47).
• South Florida ties with UConn for the most wins in American Championship history with their 21st win.
• Brito earned AAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
• Dembele, Blasigh, and Brito earned All-Tournament Honors.

The American Athletic Conference has contributed to this story.
 
UP NEXT
South Florida awaits its fate in the NCAA Tournament, as the bracket will be revealed on Selection Sunday (Sunday, Mar. 16) at 8 p.m. on ESPN. The first-round games will take place from Mar. 21-22.
 
CHAMPIONSHIP GEAR
Bulls fans, show your pride and celebrate the championship with the official tournament champions t-shirt! Buy your shirt here.

SELECTION SHOW WATCH PARTY
Join the Bulls for a Selection Sunday Watch Party! The event will begin at 7:00pm on Sunday, Mar. 16 in the USF Federal Credit Union Club located inside the Yuengling Center. Fans are asked to RSVP here.

NCAA TICKET INFORMATION
The Bulls have punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament! Stay updated on ticketing information here.

2025-25 SEASON TICKETS
Bulls fans, it's time to lock in your seats for another exciting season of USF Basketball! The 2025-26 season promises competitive matchups and unforgettable moments at the Yuengling Center. Buy your season tickets here.
 
FOLLOW US
For complete coverage of USF women's basketball, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).
 
TICKETS
Fans can purchase women's basketball tickets by calling 1-800-GoBulls or at USFBullsTix.com.
 
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
South Florida women's basketball has made 18 postseason tournament appearances and had nine NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez's 25 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided the Bulls to 11 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2008-09 WNIT championship, has won over 450 career games, and is the all-time wins leader in the American Athletic Conference.
 
– #GoBulls –