USF Takes on ODU

LaVonte Dority will have to have to run the offensive effectively in this game if USF wants to get the win.

The Bulls, 3-0 on the season, head to Connecticut to participate in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tournament. They will play Old Dominion in the first match-up (game starts at 2PM).

ODU is 2-1 on the season, beating Howard in their last game. ODU is replacing a lot of players from last seasons' squad, but has plenty of playmakers in its lineup. Let's take a look at who the Bulls will be matching up with.

Freshman guard Dimitri Batten (6-3 190-pounds) leads all scorers at 10.3 points per game. He averages 2.7 rebounds a game and has dished out 6 assists on the season. LaVonte Dority is 6-1 for USF and has done a solid job so far running the point. Facing a taller guard with scoring ability will be a tough match-up for him. Senior guard Marquel De Lancey (6-0 190-pounds) is averaging 8.7 points a game and 2 rebounds a game, giving ODU a solid back-court.

Senior forward Chris Cooper (6-9 230-points) is averaging 8.3 points a game and 10 rebounds a game. Senior guard/forward Kent Bazemore (6-5 195-pounds) is averaging 8.3 points a game, 2 rebounds a game and has 8 assists on the season. He will probably get the match-up with Victor Rudd, where Rudd will have the size advantage. Freshman forward Jason Pimentel (6-8 230-pounds) is averaging 6 points a game and 8 rebounds a game. Sophomore center/forward Anton Larsen (7-0 240-pounds) is averaging 4.3 points a game and 2 rebounds a game. Keep an eye on senior guard Trian Illiadis (6-3 185-pounds) who is averaging 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds a game.

The Bulls had a big time size advantage in their last win over Florida Southern, but the tables have been turned on them in this game. ODU has a lot of size on the interior, so the battle for rebounds will be key in this game. USF has to stay out of foul trouble with their front line, so it could be a mismatch for the Bulls if they are forced to go with a smaller lineup.

If USF can make their free throws, continue to get solid play from Nash and Dority at the point, and battle for the rebounds, USF can get the win here, the first road game of the season.