Preview: South Florida Women’s Basketball Welcomes North Texas to Yuengling Center
Tampa, Fla. – On Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM, the South Florida women’s basketball team (11-8, 3-3) will host the North Texas Mean Green (14-3, 4-1) at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
South Florida Bulls: A Resurgent Team with Ambitions
The Bulls, under the guidance of head coach Jose Fernandez, have shown signs of resurgence this season, winning two of their last four contests. They aim to carry this momentum into their matchup against North Texas.
South Florida boasts a talented roster, led by freshman guard Elena Tsineke, who averages an impressive 15.5 points per game. Tsineke has established herself as a sharpshooter, ranking sixth nationally in total 3-pointers made. Her ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities will be crucial against the Mean Green’s defense.
Alongside Tsineke, redshirt junior forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu has been a consistent force for the Bulls, averaging 10.9 points per game. Her versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the court make her a valuable asset to the team.
Senior forward Sydni Harvey leads South Florida on the glass, averaging 7.3 rebounds per contest, ranking 11th in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Her rebounding prowess and ability to create second-chance opportunities will be vital in securing victories.
Rounding out the Bulls’ key players is redshirt senior guard Elisa Pinzan, who dishes out a team-best 4.1 assists per game. Pinzan’s court vision and ability to set up her teammates will be instrumental in generating scoring chances against North Texas.
North Texas Mean Green: A Force to be Reckoned With
The Mean Green, led by head coach Jalie Mitchell, have been on a tear in AAC play, currently riding a four-game winning streak. Their lone conference loss came against Charlotte in December, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum against South Florida.
North Texas possesses a balanced scoring attack, with four players averaging double-digit points per game. Senior guard Terriell Bradley leads the way with 16.2 points per game, showcasing her ability to create her own shot and knock down jumpers.
Joining Bradley in the scoring department is sophomore forward Jazion Jackson, who contributes 12.5 points per game. Jackson’s athleticism and ability to finish at the rim make her a dangerous threat in the paint.
Senior guard Ereauna Hardaway and junior guard Quincy Noble round out North Texas’ double-digit scorers, averaging 11.8 and 11.2 points per game, respectively. Both players possess excellent shooting skills and can provide a scoring boost from beyond the arc.
The Mean Green’s success also stems from their strong rebounding presence. Senior forward Tommisha Lampkin leads the team with 7.8 rebounds per game, while Jackson and Bradley also contribute significantly on the boards. Their ability to control the glass will be crucial in limiting South Florida’s second-chance opportunities.
A Clash of Styles: South Florida vs. North Texas
The matchup between South Florida and North Texas promises to be an intriguing clash of styles. The Bulls rely on their perimeter shooting and ability to create scoring chances from beyond the arc, while the Mean Green excel in driving to the basket and creating opportunities in the paint.
South Florida’s success will hinge on their ability to knock down shots from deep and limit North Texas’ penetration into the paint. The Bulls will need to force the Mean Green to take contested shots and capitalize on turnovers.
On the other hand, North Texas will need to establish their inside presence and attack the basket aggressively. They will also need to contain South Florida’s shooters and prevent them from getting hot from beyond the arc.
Historical Context: A Rare Encounter
Saturday’s game marks only the second-ever meeting between South Florida and North Texas, with the first encounter occurring in 1994, resulting in a 68-61 victory for the Bulls. The rarity of this matchup adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling contest.
Broadcast Information: Catch the Action Live
Fans can catch the South Florida vs. North Texas game live on ESPN+. The broadcast will provide viewers with expert commentary and insights into the game’s dynamics.
South Florida Women’s Basketball: A Legacy of Success
South Florida women’s basketball has a rich history of success, having recorded its 1120-win season during the 2022-23 campaign. The program has made 18 postseason tournament appearances and has had nine NCAA Tournament berths under head coach Jose Fernandez’s 23-season tenure.
Coach Fernandez has established himself as the winningest coach in program history, guiding USF to 11 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, the 2009 WNIT championship, and over 400 career wins. He is also the all-time wins leader in the American Athletic Conference.
In the 2022-23 season, four USF players received recognition from The American for their impressive performances: Elena Tsineke (AAC Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team), Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (AAC Co-Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team), Sydni Harvey (AAC Newcomer of the Year, All-Conference Second Team), and Elisa Pinzan (AAC All-Freshman Team).
Conclusion: A Thrilling Matchup in Store
The stage is set for an exciting matchup between South Florida and North Texas at the Yuengling Center on Saturday, January 20. With both teams possessing talented rosters and distinct playing styles, fans can expect a closely contested game that will test the limits of each team’s strengths and weaknesses.