USF WBB Faces James Madison in the Sweet 16 of the WNIT

Game on.

The USF Bulls, 19-15, are hitting the road for the Sweet 16 of the WNIT as they head to face James Madison (game starts at 7PM). 

James Madison, 26-7 on the year, beat Wake Forest 84 to 76 in overtime and will be a major challenge for the ladies.  JMU averages 62 points per game, but only allow 55 points per game, showing how strong they are defense.  Let's see what USF is up against in this one. 

JMU is led by junior guard Tarik Hislop (5-7) who is averaging 14.8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game, and has 57 steals on the year.  Sophomore guard Kirby Burkholder (6-0) is averaging 10.6 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game, has 17 blocks and 61 steals, showing how strong they are on defense. 

Junior guard Jasmine Gill (6-1) is averaging 9.6 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game.  Senior forward Lauren Whitehurst (6-2) is averaging 9.2 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, has 56 blocks, and 22 steals, giving JMU as big time shot blocker in the paint.  Junior guard/forward Nickki Newman (6-2) is averaging 9.2 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, has 45 blocks and 50 steals on the season.  With Newman, the Bulls are going to face a real challenge in the paint and on the boards.  Senior guard/forward Kiara Francisco (5-10) is averaging 5.2 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game as well.

This game will be an evenly matched battle for both sides.  JMU is loaded with skilled shooters and crash the boards well.  USF will need a huge effort from Jasmine Wynne and will need Inga Orekhova who has struggled a bit with her shot recently, to find her range and rack up the points from the outside, freeing up the others to slash to the basket.  This will be a fun game to watch as the ladies try to get to the elite 8.