Geno Aureamma has UConn rolling again./CARMEN MANDATO
Sunday, 2 a.m.
Already, USF's women's basketball team has established itself as pretty good.
But, no, it isn't UConn good.
The No 22-ranked Bulls lost to the undefeated Huskies, 100-49 Saturday night. UConn showed the Bulls why they're ranked No. 1 again. USF fell to 12-4 on the season.
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Rader scored 11 to lead USF./CARMEN MANDATO
The Huskies hit 54 percent from the floor. Defensively, the Huskies might have been even better. They held Kitija Laksa scoreless for only the second time in her career. If you remember, Laksa scored 40 in a game earlier in the season.
Together, Maria Jesperson and Laksa --USF's top scorers -- were three for 24 from the floor. The starting lineup went 11 for 52,
UConn outscored USF 42-18 in the paint.
"I think we've got a pretty good basketball team," said USF coach Jose
Jesperson had nine points and eight rebounds for USF./CARMEN MANDATO
Fernandez. "The start of the game, you prepare, you watch film and you get your (players) ready for their speed, their toughness, their aggressiveness and how hard they cut and how hard they play. Even with your male scrimmage guys, you can't mimic the pace and the way that they play. With Gabby, Pheesa and Katie Lou, you've got three All-Americans from last year's team."
Fernandez said the offensive part of the Bulls' game was lacking.
"I thought the ball didn't go in the basket for us and we didn't defend and go to the glass as we usually do," said Fernandez. "I think we're a very good offensive team, but for us to have a chance, we can't shoot as poorly as we did."
Blagmon drives around her opponent./CARMEN MANDATO
Alyssa Rader led the Bulls in scoring with 11 points and six rebounds.
"It doesn't feel good to lose," Rader said. "But no matter who you're playing in the country, whether it be No. 1 or 300-something, I think you need to go out and play with as much effort as possible."
Fernandez said his team had to put this game behind it.
"It's one game," he said. "This can't affect Temple. We've got to put this behind us. We've got to go on the road and get Temple and get ready for UCF at home. Then we're on the road to Wichita State and Memphis. We'll see (UConn) again up there and we plan on seeing them again for the conference championship."
USF plays at Temple on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
Fernandez saw his team struggle from the floor./CARMEN MANDATO
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