FGCU women advance in Cancun, beat No. 21 South Florida

CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — Nasrin Ulel made five 3-pointers and scored a season-high 23 points, and Florida Gulf Coast held off No. 21 South Florida 81-77 on Friday in the Cancun Challenge.

FGCU (7-1) will play South Dakota State on Saturday for the championship in the Mayan Division. The Bulls (5-3) conclude the tournament against Notre Dame.

Keri Jewett-Giles added 19 points and Davion Wingate had 12 for the Eagles. Tytionia Adderly had nine points and 10 rebounds.

Elena Tsineke scored 19 points and Maria Alvarez added 14 to lead USF. Bethy Mununga grabbed 12 rebounds and had eight points.

FGCU led 68-58 with 3:39 remaining. Alvarez, Tsineke and Elisa Pinzan hit consecutive 3s to pull the Bulls to 70-67 with 1:44 to play, but the Eagles made 11 of 14 free throws to end it.