Bulls earn first-ever national ranking
Coming off two wins against teams in ESPN’s top-50 RPI, the USF women’s basketball team received its first ranking in program history in the USA Today Top-25 Poll.
The Bulls’ two wins this season came last weekend when they defeated Villanova 57-56 on a neutral court and Chattanooga 59-57 on the road. These tough wins proved to be enough to garner the Bulls the No. 25 ranking in the poll’s latest installment.
Sunday marked the first home loss for Chattanooga in 41 games, ending a 40-game home winning streak that was previously the longest in the nation.
Although this has been the start USF (2-0) hoped for, there are still challenges ahead. With games against Oklahoma and Kentucky later this month, the team will look to continue grinding out victories. Kentucky is currently ranked ninth in the nation and Oklahoma is receiving votes.
Over the first two games, junior guard Courtney Williams was a standout performer for the Bulls, averaging 18 points and nine rebounds and earning AAC Honor Roll mention.
Williams and the rest of the team continue their road trip Wednesday night at Maryland to face the No. 8 Terrapins at 7 p.m. These two teams have only met one previous time, with Maryland winning the 2013 season opener in the Sun Dome, 78-70.
The Bulls are looking for not only redemption, but also an upset before returning for their home opener Saturday at 2 p.m. against UNC-Asheville.
More Stories
USF men’s basketball falls in season opener against Florida
The Bulls fought hard against the Gators in their season opener, hitting the court for the second time just 11 days after the death of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Interim head coach Ben Fletcher, who was appointed one week ago, led USF as it finished the first half with a slim lead before ultimately slipping […]
USF women’s basketball dominates Bethune-Cookman in season opener
The Bulls women’s basketball team coasted to a 87-44 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Monday. The win marked the beginning of head coach Jose Fernandez’s 25th season and the Bulls’ 11th consecutive season-opener win. Related: USF’s Jose Fernandez on his 25th season: ‘This is a special place.’ Seven players suited up for their first game in […]
OPINION: Are USF and FAU rivals now? Let’s debate.
Is it time to call USF vs FAU a rivalry? Sure, when the Owls planted their flag midfield at Raymond James Stadium after last year’s inaugural conference matchup — a blowout 56-14 win for FAU — it may have irked some of the Bulls faithful. This season, after a 44-21 win on Friday, the Bulls […]
USF celebrates the life of Amir Abdur-Rahim, announces new tributes in his honor
“Humble.” “Authentic.” “Loving.” These are just a few of the words that resonated through the Yuengling Center on Saturday, as family, fans and members of the USF community gathered to honor the life of late men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Born in Marietta Georgia, Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings, including former NBA All-Star Shareef […]
Amid USF’s rocky season, punter Andrew Stokes stands out
As the USF Bulls (3-4, 1-2 AAC) trudge through the season, senior punter Andrew Stokes has emerged as a steady and consistent presence. Stokes has quietly been a standout performer for the Bulls this season, earning national recognition for three consecutive weeks. He was on the weekly honor-roll for the Ray-Guy award from weeks five […]
USF back on the court after Abdur-Rahim’s death: ‘They wanted to play’
USF men’s basketball was on the court just six days after the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim. In fact, they were back in practice just 48 hours after their late head coach died last Thursday due to complications from a medical procedure. To some, that may seem way too soon. But for the Bulls, it was […]