The Running Of The Bulls: Duke Falls At South Florida, 65-55

Not a great game but not a fatal loss either

Duke is up to #9 nationally, but even top-rated teams have tough games, and the Blue Devils ran into one at South Florida Saturday as the Bulls won 65-55.

Duke started slow as USF ended the first quarter up 20-6 and led 33-15 at the half.

The Blue Devils were much more competitive in the second half, but a hole is a hole and Duke was in one for sure.

The Blue Devils cut the lead to 42-39 early in the 4th quarter but that was about it.

The only player for Duke to reach double figures was Toby Fournier, who had 11. She also had seven rebounds. Oluchi Okananwa just missed a double-double with nine points and nine boards.

Duke didn’t shoot very well, hitting 4-17 three pointers (23.5 percent) and 21-54 (38.9 percent overall).

The loss drops Duke to 10-3 overall. The team is off for the holiday break until January 2nd, when the Devils visit Boston College to take on the Eagles.

• Costly turnovers and first-half defense prevent Duke women’s basketball from comeback win against South Florida
• No. 9 Duke women’s basketball shut down in first half, falls 65-56 at South Florida
• Blue Devil Rally Falls Short at South Florida, 65-56
• Box Score (PDF)
• Postgame Notes (PDF)