Charlotte Kicks Off 2025 Campaign in Sunny South Florida!

TAMPA – In their inaugural game of the new year, Charlotte Women’s Basketball is aiming for their first triumph in American Athletic Conference action at South Florida on Wednesday (Jan. 1) after suffering a 64-50 defeat against UTSA last weekend.

COACH’S CORNER

“South Florida operates a five-out motion along with various strategies to keep the defense uncertain,” stated coach Tomekia Reed. “They are a tactical and well-prepared squad. We must be equipped to guard and limit their options. Their confidence is high following a victory over Duke. That win exemplified their toughness and resilience. We need to enter the game and mirror their energy and assurance.”

SCOUTING USF

South Florida enters the new year boasting an 8-6 record, having secured their initial AAC victory of the season against Rice with a score of 74-64. Noteworthy non-conference outcomes include a win over the top-10 ranked Duke (65-56) and losses to #2 UCONN, #3 South Carolina, #17/21 TCU, and #25/22 Louisville, making South Florida’s schedule the fourth most challenging in the NCAA.

The Bulls are spearheaded by graduate guard Sammie Puisis (15.1 ppg.) & sophomore guard Vittoria Blasigh (10.6 ppg.) Puisis is positioned 10th nationally with 42 total 3-pointers and 15th in 3FG Made Per Game (3.00 3FGM). Collectively, Puisis and Blasigh account for 86.1% of USF’s successful 3-pointers this season, the highest percentage of any duo in Division I.

On the defensive end, South Florida has restricted their opponents to below 40.0 percent shooting from the field in each of their eight home contests this season. This marks their longest home streak to commence a season this century, alongside the 2020-21 season. According to the latest NET rankings, South Florida is positioned 64th.

Redshirt senior forward Romi Levy was named the AAC Preseason Player of the Year (sharing the accolade with Tommisha Lampkin, North Texas). In last year’s face-off against Charlotte, Levy netted a team-high 24 points.

HONOR ROLL

Keanna Rembert and Hayleigh Breland have both received conference weekly honorable mention honors this season. Rembert delivered a game-winning layup against Mercer and has recorded double digits in five consecutive contests. Breland achieved a career-best 30 points in the victory against Gardner-Webb.

MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS

Rembert’s 82% efficiency from the free throw line ranks third best in the AAC. The Niners are positioned sixth in the conference for free throw percentage (68.6%) and second for free throws made per game (13.5).

LAST TIME OUT

UTSA displayed urgency in the opening moments of the first quarter, establishing an early 17-3 lead at the first media timeout. Twelve of the squad’s 19 points arose from turnovers while shooting at 53% (8-15) from the field. Jordyn Jenkins contributed seven of her 18 points in the opening quarter.

Following Coach Reed’s timeout, the Niners collected themselves to re-enter the contest. Charlotte ended the quarter on an 8-2 scoring surge, reducing the gap to 19-11 after 10 minutes of play. Hayleigh Breland recorded eight of Charlotte’s 11 points.

“We executed more effectively offensively after that challenging stretch in the first quarter,” remarked Reed. “We positioned ourselves to exploit UTSA’s vulnerabilities. Our counters and quick plays were able to generate additional baskets.”

DEFENSIVE INTENSITY

Although Charlotte generated pressure defensively by forcing nine turnovers in the second quarter, CLT was unable to capitalize on the offensive side. Charlotte made 14.3% (3-21) of their field goal attempts during the second quarter and one out of seven on shots from beyond the arc. At halftime, UTSA maintained a 34-21 lead.

“In certain instances, we performed well defensively,” noted Reed. “We did an excellent job of restricting their point guard by implementing diverse defensive schemes throughout the contest. Achieving 13 steals in the game highlights our fight and determination.”

FINDING A RHYTHM

Shots began to drop for the Niners in the third quarter. Alexis Andrews sank a pair of threes, contributing to a combined 15 points with Breland during that quarter. On defense, Andrews generated three steals in the quarter and four throughout the entire game.

“Coach Reed informed me this week that she perceives some of her finest players in the past came off the bench,” stated Andrews. “That instilled some reassurance in my confidence, and I carried that into the game today. Pressure creates diamonds. I place that expectation on myself daily because I don’t want others to be concerned about me.”

BENCH CONTRIBUTIONS

In addition to Andrews, Tena Ikidi provided the Niners with significant quality minutes off the bench. In 15 minutes of play, Ikidi secured six rebounds.

“Tena was exceptional on the boards today and has maintained that level this week during practice,” said Reed. “She entered the game exuding confidence. As we progress, that is precisely what we will need. While we do not require her to score, she excels at contesting shots, defending, and rebounding.”

NEXT UP

Charlotte is set to return to action on Wednesday (Jan. 1) to commence the new year on the road against South Florida. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Yuengling Center, streaming live on ESPN+.