In one of the season’s most exciting and dramatic games, the University of South Florida women’s basketball team pulled off an incredible 82-77 victory over Rice University in a triple-overtime on Wednesday in Tampa.
The game started with Rice (12-12, 5-7 AAC) in control. The Owls dominated the first half, taking a 29-23 lead into halftime. South Florida (17-8, 10-2 AAC) struggled to get things going offensively, while Rice’s offense looked fluid and sharp.
By the end of the third quarter, the game shifted dramatically. Rice maintained a slim lead at 50-45, but a key four-point swing at the end of the quarter gave the Bulls renewed energy and momentum.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, it was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets. With 2:01 left, Rice held a narrow 59-58 lead and every possession felt crucial. But with just 18.3 seconds remaining, Rice made a costly mistake, turning the ball over and handing the Bulls an opportunity.
South Florida’s offense, led by their sharpshooter Sammie Puisi, executed the perfect play with just 2.1 seconds left on the clock. Puisi caught the ball at the corner by the Bulls bench and drained a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime with the score tied.
Overtime was just as intense. Neither team pulled away, as each team exchanged baskets and fought hard to gain an edge. By the end of the first overtime, the score remained at 65-65, forcing a second overtime.
The second overtime period was more of the same high-intensity, back-and-forth basketball. Both teams made clutch plays, but with no team able to break free, the score once again ended in a tie, 70-70, and they moved on to a third overtime.
In the third overtime, the Bulls made a statement early. A quick 5-0 run out of the gate gave them a slight edge, and they managed to keep that lead as the clock winded down. However, Rice wasn’t done yet. With 2 minutes left, the Owls hit a 3-pointer to narrow the deficit, and once again, the game became a nail-biting contest of back-and-forth play.
With just 23.7 seconds remaining, Puisi once again came through for the Bulls, sinking another crucial 3-pointer to push South Florida ahead. The Owls had one final chance, but the Bulls’ defense stepped up when it mattered most.
The game ultimately came down to free throws. With just a few seconds remaining, South Florida’s Fatou Diakite secured a key rebound and was fouled. Calm under pressure, she stepped to the free-throw line and knocked down both shots to seal the victory for the Bulls.
The five-point victory was one of the Bulls’ most thrilling and hard-fought victories of the season. It was a game that showcased the resilience and determination of the Bulls that continued their six-game winning streak.
