South Florida women rally to beat Marquette in OT

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu scored 22 points and Elena Tsineke’s jumper with 31.2 seconds left in overtime put South Florida ahead for good in a 67-65 victory over No. 9 seed Marquette to start the women’s NCAA Tournament on Friday.

The Golden Eagles (22-11) had a final look to win, but Mackenzie Hare’s 3-pointer went inside the rim and rolled out with a second to play.

“What a way to start the NCAA Tournament,” South Florida coach Jose Fernandez said.

The Bulls (27-6), who didn’t lead for the game’s first 38 minutes, rallied several times including from 47-36 down in regulation to tie their mark for wins in a season.

Breaking the record this year won’t be so easy as South Florida is likely to face the No. 1 overall seed and defending champion South Carolina, undefeated on the year and a huge favorite to advance over No. 16 seed Norfolk State in the Columbia pod’s late game.

“We have one day to prepare for them, they have one day to prepare for us,” Fernandez said. “So we’ll see.”

ARIZONA 75, WEST VIRGINIA 62: Cate Reese scored 25 points and Esmery Martinez had a double-double against her former team to help lift the seventh-seeded Wildcats in College Park, Md.

Arizona started fast and never trailed. They entered the tournament on a three-game losing streak. Martinez had 13 points and 12 rebounds. JJ Quinerly led West Virginia with 19 points.