Colleges

Fernandez hits USF win mark

PHILADEPHIA - USF coach Jose Fernandez became the program's all-time leader in career wins as the Bulls beat Vermont 77-62 Thursday in the first round of the Saint Joseph's Hawk Classic.

Fernandez, who won his 89th game, surpassed Trudi Lacey, who had held the mark since 1996. Lacey is now the general manager of the WNBA's Charlotte Sting.

"Reaching this mark feels great," Fernandez said. "I've had a great experience at USF, and they gave me a great opportunity at a young age to take over a Conference USA program. It's not only a great accomplishment for me, but more so for the players that have come though our program and had faith in me and the coaching staff when we took over at a very difficult time," a 4-24 season in 2000-01.

USF (10-2) was led by Jessica Dickson's 26 points. She was 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. Nalini Miller had 12 points and a season-high 16 rebounds.

The Bulls finished the game with a 19-6 run after the Catamounts got within 58-56.

USF faces St. Joseph's at 4 today in the tournament final. The Hawks defeated Northeastern 83-59 earlier in the day.

UF 99, ALABAMA ST. 39: Freshman guard Jennifer Mossor scored a career- and game-high 13 as the host Gators (6-7) routed Alabama State at the State Farm Classic. Florida plays Nebraska (11-2) in the title game at 7 tonight. The Cornhuskers defeated N.C. State (10-3) 94-74.

UM 60, COPPIN ST. 54: Renee Taylor scored a game-high 25 as the Hurricanes (9-5) won the opening round of the Miami Holiday Tournament. Miami advances to the final at 7 tonight against Auburn, which beat James Madison 79-76 in overtime.

NO. 2 UNC 87, DELAWARE ST. 40: Camille Little had 17 points as the host Tar Heels pushed their season-opening win streak to 14.

NO. 9 BAYLOR 89, N.C. A&T 40: Latara Darrett and Latoya Wyatt each scored 13 as the host Bears (12-1) won their ninth in a row.

NO. 13 PURDUE 79, MICHIGAN 35: Katie Gearlds scored 22 and broke the host Boilermakers' (12-2) record for career 3-pointers. Gearlds pushed her career total to 186, breaking the mark of 183 by Stephanie White (1996-99).

NO. 17 GW 66, NO. 11 GEORGIA 54: Kimberly Beck scored 18 in the first round of the Surf 'N Slam Classic in San Diego. The Colonials (10-2) play San Diego State in the final Saturday. The Bulldogs (11-2) play Brown in the consolation game.

NO. 21 MICHIGAN ST. 74, INDIANA 49: Rene Haynes scored 20 and Allyssa DeHaan blocked nine shots for the host Spartans (10-2).

NO. 23 ARKANSAS 94, CINCINNATI 82: Donica Cosby scored 23 for the host Razorbacks (14-1).

[Last modified December 29, 2006, 06:35:23]