SMU Women Lose At USF

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TAMPA, Fla. (SMU) – The SMU Mustangs got off to a strong start and received 18 points from freshman Alicia Froling, but could not overcome the hometown USF Bulls, falling 82-59 in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday night.

Froling made 8-of-15 field goal attempts and added seven rebounds for the Mustangs (4-12, 0-5 The American). USF was led by Courtney Williams, who scored 27 points and collected 11 rebounds for the 25th-ranked Bulls (14-3, 5-0).

SMU led for much of the first nine minutes of the first half, forcing five USF turnovers early. Senior Raven Short put SMU on top 11-8 at the 11:33 mark with a three-pointer off an assist from junior Gabrielle Wilkins. USF responded with a 12-3 run, which was stopped by a jumper from sophomore Kiara Perry followed by four straight points by Wilkins.

The Bulls led by eight at halftime. After Wilkins opened the scoring in the second half, USF would go on another 12-3 run to increase its lead to 15. SMU would not come back to within single digits the rest of the way.

Wilkins finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Morgan Bolton grabbed a career-best nine rebounds, and Short totaled eight points with two three-pointers. Freshman Stephanie Collins made her first career start, totaling two points, two rebounds and two blocks in 12 minutes.

Alicia Froling has scored in double-figures in 12 of 16 games this season.

The Mustangs will remain on the road as they visit Tulane on Saturday for a 2 p.m. CT tipoff.