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USF Meets Boston College Tonight In Women's NIT Semifinals

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 1, 2009

Sixteen days ago, the University of South Florida women's basketball coaches and players gathered at the home of Coach Jose Fernandez to watch the NCAA Tournament selection show.

It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, the Bulls' second-ever NCAA berth. Instead, the ESPN telecast turned into a horror flick.

One by one, the teams were announced. Near the end of the hourlong show, 64 teams graced the big screen. None named USF.

There was silence once the field was completed. Some players still didn't realize – hoped? – that perhaps there was another yet unannounced region and the Bulls still had a shot. Finally reality set in and then disappointment. Major disappointment.

Despite the initial disappointment, the Bulls have made the best of their opportunity in the Women's National Invitation Tournament and are one win away from the championship game.

The Bulls (25-10) visit Boston College (23-11) at 7 tonight (radio: WHBO, 1010 AM).

Illinois State plays Kansas tonight in the other semifinal, with the winners meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday in the final at a site to be determined.

"To be honest, I couldn't be more proud of our team's commitment," Fernandez said. "The way they have finished is a great accomplishment."

The Bulls nearly lost in their WNIT opener to Florida Gulf Coast. But after surviving in overtime, USF defeated Ole Miss by 17 and won at St. Bonaventure by 14.

"Once we got that first game under our belt, we got back to our normalcy," Fernandez said. "Having that disappointment, we had to get refocused. And now we're one game away from playing for the WNIT championship."

The 25 victories and WNIT Final Four berth are not only program bests, but they have never been accomplished by any USF men's or women's basketball team.

Including the NCAA women's Final Four, the Bulls are one of only eight teams still playing. Even though Boston College eliminated St. John's and Georgetown, three of the eight remaining teams are from the Big East Conference.

"Everybody in our league wants our teams to do well and be successful," Fernandez said.

The biggest challenge Boston College presents tonight is what Fernandez calls "one of the nation's biggest front lines."

Featuring 6-foot-6 sophomore center Carolyn Swords and 6-4 sophomore forward Stefanie Murphy, the Eagles are outrebounding opponents by nine per game.

"That's a tough matchup," Fernandez said. "We have to limit them to one shot and not let them get to the offensive glass."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928.

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