They did what we thought they'd do: USF women rout Bethune-Cookman to open season

The USF women did what they were supposed to do in Monday’s season opener over Bethune-Cookman at the Yuengling Center.

The Bulls handily defeated the Wildcats 87-44, opening a season they hope will conclude with an American Athletic Conference championship and an NCAA Tournament.

The result wasn’t in doubt from the moment Bethune-Cookman agreed to play this game. It gave USF coach Jose Fernandez, entering his 25th season as the Bulls’ head coach, a chance to empty his bench and allow his deep bench to see considerable playing time.

It was the perfect opener for the Bulls, preseason picks to win the AAC title.

WHAT WE SAW: Given the mass substitutions and the quality of the opposition (no disrespect intended), we couldn’t draw anything definitive from this game. Newcomer Mama Dembele, a graduate transfer from Missouri, certainly lived up to the promise of putting go-go juice in the Bulls’ offense.

There wasn’t one player we’d point to and say, “So-and-so led the Bulls with so many points.” It was a balanced effort, which bodes well.

The Bulls also had twelve 3-pointers. Senior L'or Mputu had a solid game with 16 points.

WHAT WAS CONCERNING: This game wasn’t in doubt from the get-go. The Bulls led 25-7 after one quarter, and it became a glorified scrimmage after that.

WHAT WE CAN CONCLUDE: Nothing, to be honest. We expect this team to be very good, and a shake-down cruise against Bethune-Cookman won’t leave us breathless.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Bulls host Mount St. Mary’s (Md.) on Thursday, November 7. The game will be televised on ESPN+ or radio at Bulls Unlimited.