Bulls edged late

Looking to build on its win against Stetson on Wednesday, USF lost a heartbreaker against Morgan State, 53-51, on Saturday.

Sophomore forward Tiffany Connor led the way with 14 points with five rebounds and shot 5-of-8 from the floor.

Morgan State’s defense held the Bulls to 23 percent shooting from the floor and shot 67 percent from the free-throw line in the game.

“We took 24 or 25 shots more than they did, turned them over 25 times and got 25 offensive rebounds, but I don’t care who you play against, you can’t shoot 20 percent from the floor and win,” coach Jose Fernandez said.

USF trailed early before taking a 27-25 lead at the break with a 13-8 run over the final 8:39 of the first half.

The Bulls took a 37-32 lead with a 3-pointer by junior Andrea Smith with 17:09 left in the game.

Morgan State’s Therese Davis tied the game 51-51 with 1:15 to play.

After USF guard Kaneisha Saunders missed a jumper with 48 seconds left, the Bears attempted to take the lead, but guard Brittany Dodson’s layup fell short. USF senior center Porche Grant then grabbed her 15th rebound of the night, tying a career high with 27 seconds left.

On the ensuing possession, the Bulls turned the ball over and fouled the Bears’ Emily Hawkins, who hit both attempts for the game-winning points.

The Bulls conclude their three-game homestand tonight at 7 against Auburn.