USF Takes on UT in Exhibition Basketball

Blake Nash is excited about the season, you should too! (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

USF basketball is back! The 2011-2012 season kicks off for the men's team tonight as they travel down I-275 to take on in-town foe University of Tampa in the first and only exhibition game of the season (game starts at 7PM).

The Spartans finished the 2010-2011 season with a record of 22-7 and went 10-6 in the Sunshine State Conference. They are a veteran team that will be looking for an upset over the Bulls as they defend their home floor.

The Spartans are losing some of their top scorers from last year's club, but return a solid group that will challenge the Bulls. Junior forward Callum Townsend (6-6 220-pounds) averaged 8.7 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game. Senior guard Ashton Graham (6-4 200-pounds) averaged 8.4 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game. Senior guard Kelly Osby (6-3 200-pounds) has 4.6 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game in limited playing time. Senior forward Corey Pelot (6-6 210-pounds) averaged just 1.6 points per game and 1.5 rebounds per game, but is expected to see more playing time this season for the Spartans.

This game will be a real test for the Bulls as they look to find answers before they start the season against Vermont. The point guard position will be a spot to watch this season and we will get a chance to see Blake Nash for the first time in this game. We will also get to see Victor Rudd on the court for the first time. Can these two add more firepower to the offense and help lead the Bulls out of the basement? We will have to see and it all starts on Saturday night.