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USF's Tough Task

By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: January 6, 2009

TAMPA - Before beginning his weekly news conference Monday, University of South Florida women's basketball coach Jose Fernandez noticed a difference.

"All these television cameras," he said. "Must be a big game."

Try the biggest ever.

For the first time, a No. 1 ranked basketball team - women's or men's - will visit the Sun Dome to play USF.

No. 1 UConn (13-0, 0-0 Big East) rolls into town on, well, a serious roll to face the Bulls (13-2, 0-1) tonight at 7.

The Huskies, who received all 45 first-place votes in Monday's Associated Press poll, lead the nation in scoring margin (34.3 points), have scored at least 76 points in every game and have won every game by at least 11 points.

Under Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have won five national titles, including four since 2000. And this year's team might be even better.

"Offensively, this has to be one of Auriemma's most talented teams," Fernandez said.

The Huskies are led by sophomore forward Maya Moore (18.1 points, 8.6 rebounds), junior center Tina Charles (17.4 points, 8.8 rebounds) and senior guard Renee Montgomery (16.9 points).

"There's no drop-off when he goes to the bench," Fernandez said. "You're talking about a program that every one of their kids is a top 10, top 20 rated recruit in the country. Every one of their kids is a high school All-American."

Coming off a 68-60 loss in Saturday's Big East opener at Marquette, the Bulls actually would prefer an up-tempo game against the Huskies. USF (89.9 points) and UConn (88.8 points) are the nation's two highest-scoring teams.

Guards Shantia Grace (16.8 points), Jazmine Sepulveda (14.2 points) and Janae Stokes (13.6 points) pace the Bulls' attack.

"This is a great opportunity and a good challenge," Fernandez said. "We're going to need to play above our abilities."

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

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USF's Tough Task