The #17 /16 USF women’s basketball team lost for the first time this season, falling to #6 Notre Dame, 76-66 on Saturday night.
The Bulls trailed the entire game, despite a career day from junior guard, Kitija Laksa, who scored 36 points in the loss, knocking down 9 of 11 from beyond the arc. The Irish led by as many as 18 points in the third and fourth quarters. The Bulls never got closer than a nine point deficit in the fourth quarter.
The Irish dominated the paint, 48-22 and in rebounds, 42-25. They also hit an impressive 82% of their free throws. USF made just 50%.
Laksa was not the only player to have a great night. Irish guard, Jackie Young, scored 23 and fellow guard, Anike Ogunbowale hit 21. Forward, Jessica Shepard was the only other player to score in double digits, scoring 15 with eight rebounds.
Notre Dame improved to 5-0 and will play South Carolina in the next round of the Gulf Coast Challenge. The Bulls, now 5-1, will play Saint Johns on Sunday in the Gulf Coast Challenge consolation round.