Turnovers Costly in Loss to No. 23 South Florida

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas – Despite committing 25 turnovers, No. 9 Oregon fought its way back into the game down the stretch in a 71-62 loss to No. 23 South Florida Monday in the Battle 4 Atlantis third-place game.
 
How it Happened: Both teams struggled to take care of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, with Oregon turning it over seven times while forcing five South Florida giveaways. The Ducks did open up a lead midway through the quarter thanks to the hot shooting of Ahlise Hurst, who hit three from downtown in the first quarter while UO went a perfect 4-for-4 from outside.
 
The Bulls responded with an extended run to begin the second, outscoring the Ducks 11-1 over the first five minutes of the quarter to take a 24-19 lead. The two teams traded baskets the rest of the half, and South Florida led 29-27 heading into the break.
 
After Sydney Parrish hit a couple of jumpers to keep the Ducks within a possession to start the second half, South Florida went on a 7-0 run to take a 41-31 lead with 6:03 to go in the quarter. The Ducks got within four near the end of the third after clamping down defensively, but South Florida hit a desperation heave at the quarter buzzer to go up 46-39.
 
The Bulls began the fourth on a 10-2 run to make it 58-41 with 5:10 to play, but the Ducks fought back with an 11-1 run to get it within 59-55 with 47 seconds remaining. The Bulls took care of business at the free throw line, making their final 12 from the line.
 
Who Stood Out: Hurst and Parrish led the team with 15 points apiece, with Hurst going 6-of-13 from the field and 3-for-7 from downtown. Parrish was 7-for-10 from the field and scored 11 of her points in the second half. Sedona Prince finished with 13 points and went 7-of-9 at the free throw line.
 
Up Next: Oregon will have a nine-day break before its next game against UC Davis, Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m. in Matthew Knight Arena.