USF Athletics didn’t just have a big week – it had a cinematic one. 

It was the kind of week that makes sports worth watching with a buzzer-beater three-pointer to keep a win streak alive, a grand slam christening a new era and a team fighting for a NCAA bid refusing to go down.

In other words, if you weren’t paying attention to the Bulls this week, you missed a show.

Player of the week: Sammie “Three-sis”

There’s clutch – and then there’s Sammie Puisis. 

When the Bulls needed her most, she delivered.

Last Wednesday against Rice, Puisis hit one of the biggest shots of the season, drilling a buzzer-beating three-pointer from the corner to force overtime. 

She finished with 17 points, knocking down four threes and playing a grueling 48 minutes in USF’s triple-overtime victory. 

Three days later, she was even better.

Against FAU, Puisis torched the Owls for 23 points, sinking seven three-pointers and leading the Bulls to another key win.

But her ability to take over games on the court is nothing new.

She leads the team in three-pointers made this season (82) and has become the Bulls’ go-to scorer in pressure moments.

Beyond the arc, it’s her composure which sets her apart. Whether it’s a game-tying buzzer-beater or a dagger in crunch time, Puisis doesn’t flinch.

“I have to do what I can to ultimately get to an NCAA tournament,” she said in a recent interview.

Her back-to-back standout performances helped USF extend its winning streak and stay near the top of the conference. 

There’s no doubt – Puisis is the Bulls’ player of the week.

Related: USF women’s basketball beats Rice in triple-OT: “Really good players who make big plays”

Bulls on a parade

USF women’s basketball singing the school alma mater after the 3-OT win over Rice Wednesday night. ORACLE PHOTO // LILY FOX

Led by player of the week Puisis, women’s basketball earned team of the week honors.

As they extend their win streak to seven straight with conference wins over Rice and FAU, the Bulls are on the bubble in ESPN’s latest NCAA Bracketology projections, listed among the “Last Four Out.”

Being on the bubble means USF is right on the edge of making the NCAA Tournament field.

Every win matters, and with March approaching, the Bulls are playing like a team that refuses to be left out.

Wednesday’s 82-77 marathon win over Rice was a statement.

It wasn’t just Puisis’ game-ending shot or her 17 points – it was the entire team stepping up in a game that tested their endurance and depth.

With seven players scoring, three grabbing at least seven rebounds, USF found a way to win together.

On Saturday’s 74-62 victory over FAU, the Bulls showed why they’re one of the most complete teams in the conference. 

They controlled the game from start to finish, shooting 50% from the field and shutting down FAU’s offense in the second half. 

With their winning streak now at seven, the Bulls are clicking at the right time. 

Their ability to win close games and dominate when needed makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

“They play for one another,” coach Jose Fernandez said. “Because at the end of the day… that’s what good teams do.”

Lights, clutch, action

The best plays don’t just make the highlight reel – they change the trajectory of a game, a season, maybe even a program. USF had two of them this week.

Puisis’ clutch dagger against Rice was the kind of shot players dream about. 

Over on the baseball diamond, junior Ryan Pruitt had his own moment of magic. 

With the Bulls trailing Iowa in the seventh of Friday’s season opener, the transfer stepped up with the bases loaded. 

Related: USF baseball snags Opening Weekend series win – The Oracle 

One swing later, the ball was sailing over the right-centerfield wall, and USF had a 5-4 lead it wouldn’t give back.

A grand-slam and comeback win gave South Florida a perfect start for new head coach Mitch Hannahs.

Between Puisis’ ice-cold three and Pruitt’s bases-clearing blast, USF delivered when it mattered. One moment kept a streak alive, the other set the tone for a promising start.