Women’s basketball finds offensive groove but can’t keep pace with South Florida

In the final home game of the season the women’s basketball team fell to the University of South Florida Bulls 90–64.

Though the Golden Hurricane had their best offensive effort in over seven games — they shot 40 percent including 20 points in the first quarter alone. The Bulls though kept ahead of them, though, shooting 61 percent and and outscoring Tulsa in every quarter.

Senior Jessica Pongonis led the Golden Hurricane with 13 points — a career high — while sophomore Tatyana Perez (11) and junior Erika Wakefield (10) joined her with double-digit points in the loss.

Head coach Matilda Mossman talked about the team playing better than the stats would show.

“Look at our team, we shot 40 percent. We haven’t shot 40 percent in about seven games. I am pleased with our effectiveness offensively, and I’m even pleased with how effective we were defensively. The stats don’t show it, but our kids battled and they competed.”

“I’m proud of our two seniors — Ashley Hughes and Jessica Pongonis. They battled and did everything they could for their team. It is a loss in the win-loss column, but not a loss in how our team is concerned.”

USF’s Kitija Laksa couldn’t be stopped, missing only one shot in the entire game and scoring 34 points for the Bulls.

“Kitija Laksa had 37 against us at their place and shot extremely well, but not nearly as well as she shot today, scoring 34 points on 13-of-14 and 6-of-6. We guarded her about as well as you can guard her. She is just so efficient at what she does.”

The Golden Hurricane’s record sits at 8–20 (4–11 AAC) and will finish their season on Monday against Cincinnati. The Golden Hurricane will finish as the ninth or tenth seed in the conference tournament next weekend. Their opponent will likely be either SMU or Memphis.

Post Author: tucollegian

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