TAMPA, Fla. – The HCU women’s basketball team battled closely with preseason American Athletic Conference favorite South Florida on Friday morning before ultimately falling to the Bulls, 91-58.The Huskies showcased strong early shooting and briefly led in the second quarter, but USF‘s dominant inside game and late-game run proved decisive.
The loss drops HCU to 3-4 on the season, while South Florida improves to 6-4. Despite the setback, the Huskies demonstrated competitive spirit against a formidable opponent, signaling potential for growth as they head into Southland Conference play.
HCU started strong,shooting 66.7 percent from the field in the first quarter, fueled by three early three-pointers from Tove Caesar. The period ended tied at 19-19. In the second quarter,a three-pointer from Sidney Carr gave HCU a 22-21 lead,extended to three points on the next possession thanks to Jordan Jackson. Despite South Florida building a nine-point advantage, HCU closed the half trailing by only five, 40-35.
The third quarter saw USF pull away with a 25-point effort, capitalizing on paint touches and free throws. HCU managed three more three-pointers but faced a 65-53 deficit entering the fourth. The Bulls then closed the game with a 26-5 run to secure the 91-58 victory.
Tove Caesar led HCU with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including three three-pointers, and matched her career-high with five assists. Grace Booth added 10 points and four rebounds, while Jordan Jackson contributed seven points. Hannah Field,Madelyne Davis,and Dasia Hyams each finished with six points.
South Florida held a significant advantage in the paint, 48-26, and shot 51.7 percent (31-of-60) from the field compared to HCU’s 40.4 percent (21-of-52). HCU shot 35 percent (7-of-20) from three-point range. L’or Mputu led South Florida with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Kirsten Lewis-Williams added 15.
HCU returns to action on Friday,Dec. 12,hosting Southeastern at 6:00 p.m. at Sharp Gym in a Southland Conference matchup.
