TAMPA, Fla. – Wichita State opened Saturday night with strong energy, but South Florida used a decisive second-half surge to pull away for a 75-53 decision at the Yuengling Center.
 
The Shockers led after one quarter and were within striking distance at halftime before the Bulls took control in the third, outscoring Wichita State 22-12 to create separation.
 
Wichita State jumped out early, shooting 66.7 percent in the opening quarter and taking a 19-18 lead after 10 minutes. Jaila Harding knocked down an early three, while seven other Shockers scored in the period, 12 points coming in the paint.
 
South Florida answered in the second quarter behind Katie Davidson, who finished with a game-high 24 points. The Bulls held Wichita State to six points in the period and carried a 32-25 lead into the locker room.
 
The Bulls continued to apply pressure coming out of halftime, shooting 66.7 percent in the third quarter. Davidson, Edyn Battle and Jelena Bulajic combined to score 16 points in the frame as USF extended its lead to double digits.
 
Despite the deficit, Wichita State continued to battle. Karys Washington led the Shockers with six points and three rebounds off the bench in the second half, while Azjah Reeves chipped in five points after the break. Wichita State struggled to stop the Bulls in the paint as South Florida finished with 44 points inside. The Bulls also found success in transition, scoring 25 fast break points on the day.
 
South Florida shot 51.7 percent for the game and held a 37-24 rebounding edge. Three Bulls finished in double figures, while no Shocker broke the 10-point barrier. Harding and Washington led the Shockers' scoring with eight points each.
 
Wichita State returns home to face Memphis on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in Charles Koch Arena.