USF (1-1), which was led by junior guard Andrea Smith, who had 13 points and seven rebounds, easily defeated Stetson (1-1) in an 80-42 blowout victory Wednesday night
Senior Porche Grant, who returned after sitting out all of last season, had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hatters took a 13-9 lead with 11:44 remaining in the first half.
But USF got a lift from Grant and starting senior forward Leondra Doomes-Stephen. Each scored eight points in the first half, and the Bulls went on a 14-5 run to end the half with a 36-23 lead.
The Bulls’ defense forced 28 turnovers and got 16 steals, getting four from sophomore forward Tiffany Connor.
“I thought defensively, the last 32 minutes were good. We were turning them over, but it felt like we weren’t converting,” coach Jose Fernandez said
The Bulls outscored the Hatters 44-19 in the second half and held them to 26 percent shooting.
USF hosts Morgan State on Saturday at 7 p.m.
