Laksa scores 41, USF women run past No. 13 Ohio State 84-65

Feb 12, 2019, 05:41 am

TAMPA, Fla. -- Kitija Laksa scored a career-high 41 points, 18 in a decisive first quarter, and South Florida went on to defeat No. 13 Ohio State 84-65 on Sunday.

Maria Jespersen added 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Bulls (20-5), who won their fourth straight to reach 20 wins for the sixth straight season. Laia Flores had 11 assists and eight rebounds as the Bulls outrebounded Ohio State 46-26.

Stephanie Mavunga had 28 points on 13-of-16 shooting for the Buckeyes (20-6), who had won four straight. Kelsey Mitchell added 19.

Laksa had three treys and a 3-point play in the first quarter when the Bulls used a 12-0 run to open a 31-13 lead. She was 7 of 11, Ohio State 5 of 15. Laksa finished 15 of 27 from the field, making 5-of-8 3-pointers and all three free throws, beating her career best set earlier this season by one to tie the American Conference record. It is the 17th 40-point game in the NCAA this season. Asia Durr of Louisville has the season high, scoring 47 against Ohio State in November.

The lead never dipped below double figures as USF was 11 of 22 from 3-point range, 13 of 13 from the foul line.