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Energized Bulls Upset DePaul

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

TAMPA - With the Sun Dome clock showing 0:00.1, University of South Florida teammates Shantia Grace and Brittany Denson dived into the courtside seats after a loose ball. Grace and Denson emerged seconds later, untangled and shared a laugh.

"I heard Jazmine Sepulveda say 'we won,' " Grace said.

Yes, the Bulls had finally won, upsetting No. 25 DePaul 78-73 Tuesday night. It was only USF's second victory in its last nine games and ended a seven-game losing streak to ranked teams.

The Bulls looked nothing like the team that was routed by 36 at Louisville on Saturday.

"We played with more energy and desire, like it meant something," USF coach Jose Fernandez said. "It was a huge win. We needed one. Losing takes a toll."

Grace had a career-high 35 points, tying for the sixth-best game in USF history.

"She showed tonight she can be one of the best players in the conference," Fernandez said.

Added Sepulveda: "She was amazing."

Sepulveda wasn't too shabby, either, pitching in with 22 points and seven rebounds.

USF (12-10, 2-7 Big East) jumped to a 10-point lead in the first half only to watch DePaul (16-6, 5-4) cut it to 37-34 by halftime.

With 14 minutes remaining, the Bulls trailed 50-46 when Grace and Sepulveda took over. The junior guards combined for USF's final 32 points - 22 by Grace and 10 by Sepulveda.

"We had more heart," Sepulveda said. "We were tired of losing."

Melissa Dalembert (11 rebounds) and Porche Grant (10 rebounds) had big nights inside as part of the Bulls' 14th different starting lineup in their 22 games.

DePaul's Allie Quigley had a game-high 36 points, one off her career high.

"This gives us confidence to get a big win vs. a Top 25 team," Grace said.

It also improves USF's chances for a top 12 Big East finish, a trip to the conference tournament and a possible NIT bid, Fernandez said.

"If we play like we did tonight and use this win as momentum for the rest of the season, hopefully we can get on a roll," Fernandez said.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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