South Florida Women’s Basketball Gears Up for High-Stakes Rematch with Duke at the Yuengling Center
TAMPA, Fla. — One of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025–26 NCAA women’s basketball season is already generating excitement. The University of South Florida (USF) Bulls are set to welcome powerhouse Duke back to the Yuengling Center on Thursday, November 20, for what promises to be a dramatic rematch between two rising national programs.
The upcoming clash marks the second game of a two-part home series and the fifth meeting all-time between the Bulls and the Blue Devils. And while tipoff time and television coverage will be announced in the coming months, one thing is certain — all eyes will be on Tampa when these two programs meet again.
This showdown carries extra weight thanks to what transpired the last time Duke came to town. In one of the signature wins of the 2024–25 college basketball season, the Bulls stunned the ninth-ranked Blue Devils in front of a raucous home crowd, pulling off a 65–56 upset on December 21. That victory was more than just a number in the win column — it marked the 22nd ranked win in USF program history, the 30th win over a Power-5 opponent, and head coach Jose Fernandez’s 20th win over a nationally ranked team.
For Duke, that loss was one of only eight in a season that saw the Blue Devils finish with an impressive 29–8 record and a deep run into the NCAA Tournament, ultimately falling in the Elite Eight. They closed out the year ranked seventh in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll, underscoring the significance of USF’s triumph.
Meanwhile, the Bulls had a season to remember as well. With a 23–11 overall record and a 13–4 mark in American Athletic Conference play, South Florida solidified its status as a consistent winner under Fernandez. The Bulls claimed their fourth league title and earned a tenth NCAA Tournament berth after capturing the 2025 AAC Conference Tournament Championship, stringing together three gritty wins over Tulane, North Texas, and Rice in as many days.
It was another season of milestones for Fernandez, the winningest coach in program history and a cornerstone of the Bulls’ national rise. He extended his streak to 14 consecutive 19-win seasons and notched his 12th 20-win campaign. Now entering his 26th year, Fernandez has transformed South Florida into a respected force in women’s college basketball with 485 career victories, two WNIT Final Four appearances, and a 2009 WNIT championship to his name.
As anticipation builds for the 2025–26 campaign, Bulls fans are already circling November 20 on their calendars. The rematch with Duke is more than just another non-conference game — it’s a measuring stick, a test of grit, and a chance to prove that last year’s win was no fluke. For USF, it’s about defending home court, sustaining momentum, and building on a culture of excellence that has become the program’s trademark.
Season tickets are now available for fans eager to witness another year of fast-paced, high-stakes basketball at the Yuengling Center. With a schedule packed with compelling matchups and the potential for more history-making moments, South Florida women’s basketball promises to deliver another unforgettable season.
Get Your Tickets:
Fans can secure their seats for the 2025–26 season by calling 1-800-GoBulls or visiting USFBullsTix.com.
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