Tampa, FL -- History was made for the University of South Florida women's basketball program during their 61-33 win over Chattanooga, as senior forward Alisia Jenkins became USF's career rebounds leader.
Jenkins' reaction: https://www.instagram.com/p/_PnNVRTXwC/
The Georgia-native surpassed Hall-of-Famer Wanda Guyton's 26-year record of 1,077 career rebounds, finishing with 1,080 over the span of her USF career.
"I feel very very happy," Jenkins said. "I've been wanting to get it since I came here. I broke the rebound record at my high school, so it's nice to break it here."
Though Jenkins recorded four rebounds in the first three minutes, the Mocs controlled the first quarter defensively with three blocks, holding the Bulls to just two points until the last two minutes. Freshman Kitija Laksa ended USF's scoring drought with a jumper and a three-pointer, helping the Bulls battle their way to a 9-9 tie by the end of the first quarter.
"I think sometimes we get ahead of ourselves, and go too fast, and lose our composure," senior guard Courtney Williams said. "But I think as the season goes on, we'll get more into a flow."
Williams, who uncharacteristically scored zero points in the first quarter, put up eight points in the second, leading USF to a 29-17 advantage going into the locker room. By the end of the half, Jenkins recorded seven rebounds on her way to breaking the career rebounding record.
"You got to stay composed. Your shot is not going to always fall," Williams said. "The only constant that you can keep is defense."
The second half started off at a slow pace, with both teams missing four of their first five field goals. The Bulls held the Mocs scoreless for four minutes, and Williams continued leading all scorers with 15 points and 11 rebounds. USF had a 48-28 advantage over Chattanooga at the end of the third quarter.
"I think that's where our points start rolling in," Jenkins said. "When we start playing defense and moving our feet."
Jenkins began the fourth quarter grabbing her ninth rebound of the game, and tying Guyton's record. Two minutes later, she became USF's career rebounds leader. The Bulls shot 33 percent from the field overall, finishing with a 61-33 win over the Mocs.
"I think we've got a good team. For us to be great, we need to do a great job on the glass. Take care of the ball, shoot free throws like we've been shooting lately. And defend like we did tonight. We won by 28 and shot 30 percent from the floor."
Jenkins finished with 12 rebounds on the day.
"She's meant a lot for our program," Fernandez said. "Not only on the basketball floor, but in the community. She's got a lot of games left to play in a USF uniform and has a really really bright future."
The Bulls will travel to Northern Colorado on Tuesday for a 9 p.m. tipoff.