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USF Routs Ole Miss In WNIT

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By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: March 27, 2009

Updated: 03/27/2009 12:45 am

TAMPA - After University of South Florida junior Janae Stokes made her first five shots, Mississippi coach Renee Ladner finally saw a Stokes 3-pointer headed wide of the basket.

"Not this time, baby," Ladner said.

Stokes heard Ladner's good-natured comment. After she missed, Stokes went to the sideline and shared a laugh and a hug with Ladner, who knew Stokes when she played in junior college.

"Janae is very friendly with anyone," Ladner said.

The rest of the Bulls were not as hospitable. USF pulled away from Ole Miss in the second half on its way to a 74-57 WNIT victory Thursday night in the Sun Dome.

USF (24-10) visits St. Bonaventure (23-10) on Sunday in the WNIT quarterfinals.

Stokes scored all 13 of her points in the opening 12 minutes.

"She can do that," USF senior guard Shantia Grace said. "She can shoot with her eyes closed."

In the second half, Grace took over the scoring load from Stokes. USF trailed 40-38 at the half, but Grace had 13 of her game-high 18 points after halftime. Grace also finished with seven assists and only one turnover.

Porche Grant had 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Jessica Lawson had 10 points and eight rebounds for USF.

"This team continues to make history with a school-record 24 wins," USF coach Jose Fernandez said. "If we win the next one, we get into the WNIT final four.

"That's great for our program."

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

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