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USF won 74 to 59 over Butler on Friday, improving their record to 6-0 on the season. This game was close for the first three quarters until the Bulls were able to pull away late and maintain the strong lead throughout the 4th quarter.
In the first half, the Bulls would lead 31 to 30 despite another ice cold start from the floor. USF shot 34% while Butler shot 43%. USF did have the rebounding edge at 19 to 17, but it was still another slow start for Coach Jose Fernandez’s squad. Granted, Butler started the game with a 12 to 3 lead, so it wasn’t all USF’s fault, but it was still not good.
In the second half, the Bulls were able to build the double digit lead and held onto it for the duration of the game. It was not their best shooting effort of the season, but they were still able to grind out the win. Overall they shot 40% (37% for Butler) and won the rebounding battle at 38 to 36 (17 to 20 in turnovers as well).
Laia Flores led the way for the Bulls with 18 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals. Kitija Laksa had 11 points (just 3 for 8 from 3-point range) and added 5 rebounds. Ariadna Pujol had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists while Laura Ferreira had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in her best game of the year (I thought her foot was bad?).
Maria Jespersen had 7 points (just 1 for 6 from 30 point range) and added 8 rebounds. Dorottya Nagy had 5 points and 3 assists. Tamara Henshaw had 8 points and 8 rebounds as she continues to clean up on the glass for the Bulls.
The Bulls will next face Arkansas State on the road on the 11th (game begins at 3 PM). I really hope they get another key win when they return after a week off (Finals Week on campus). Go Bulls!!
by Matt Staton
SoFloBulls.com Columnist | @USFMatt
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