Fernandez Becomes Career Wins Leader With 110-51 Win

University of South Florida head women’s basketball coach Jose Fernandez made history on monday becoming the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach – for both the men’s and women’s program – with the Bulls’ 110-51 win over Jackson State at the Sun Dome. Fernandez improved his career coaching record to 128-124 and in doing so surpassed former men’s coach Bobby Paschal who guided the men’s basketball team to 127 wins in 10 seasons. In addition, USF (12-1) stretched their winning streak to eight games while also improving its record home winning streak to 12 games dating back to last season. The Bulls’ 12-1 start is the best in school history.

USF used its momentum coming off of a commanding 100-47 victory last Sunday over Southern University just before the Christmas break. The Bulls made no doubt that they were going to take control of the game and not let go as they proceeded to score a record 73 points in the first half while holding the Lady Tigers to just 22. The Green and Gold have scored 60 points in a half three time this season. During the first half onslaught, the Bulls had two players – Jazmine Sepulveda and Danielle Starzynski – score 21 and 20 points respectively just shy of Jackson State’s 22-point total. Sepulveda finished the game with 26 points along with four assists. She also grabbed three steals in the win. It was Sepulveda’s 10th game this season scoring in double figures out of 13 games on the year. Starzynski finished the game with 24 points and 7 steals. Starzynski has scored double figures in every game so far this season. Janae Stokes finished with 20 points on 7-12 shooting, including a blistering 6-10 from three-point range. She also came away with five rebounds and four assists. Defensively, Porche Grant was a factor on the glass with nine rebounds, Dalembert finished with five and Brittany Denson had seven. The team also forced 27 turnovers on the afternoon leading to 41 points and had 14 steals.

Up next for USF is a trip to New Orleans for its non-conference finale to take on Tulane on Dec 30 at 8 p.m. (EST). The Bulls will open BIG EAST play on Jan. 3 when they face Marquette in Milwaukee at 8 p.m. (EST/7 p.m. (CST) . As always stay tuned for your USF Bulls updates. Until then, GO BULLS!!