TAMPA – USF cruised to their first Big East win on Tuesday night.

Andrea Smith scored a game-high 17 points and Andrell Smith added 16 points as the Bulls defeated Cincinnati, 77-44, at the Sun Dome. Andrell Smith scored the final 12 points for the Bulls in the opening half to help build a 15-point lead at halftime. Smith closed the half with 16 points.

“I thought the way we closed the first half was huge,” said Fernandez.

The Bulls’ defense dominated, forcing eight steals and holding the Bearcats to 30.4 percent shooting from the field to take a lead 34-19 into the half.

USF continued its hot shooting, opening the second half on a 24-4 run. The Bulls led by as many as 36 points with 7:13 remaining in the game.

The Bulls’ defense outrebounded the Bearcats 42-32 and held them to 32.7 percent shooting from the field.
“We defended, we challenged and we rebounded,” said Fernandez.

Alisia Jenkins dominated the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds. The freshman forward also added eight points.
“I just do the little things,” said Jenkins.

USF (12-4, 1-2) will face Villanova in the first game of a two-game road trip 2 p.m. Saturday in Pennsylvania.
“It’s good to get a win and now we have to go on the road and play a very good Villanova team,” said Fernandez.