USF MBB takes on FAMU

Blake Nash and company will have to contend with a FAMU team that likes to shoot the three  (Picture: J. Meric/Getty Images)

It seems like the loss to Kansas was a long time ago, but USF is back at it as they return "home" (at UT) to take on FAMU (game starts at 2PM).  USF, 5-4, is coming off of two straight 20-point loses, leaving the Bulls looking for answers.  Augustus Gilchrist returned against Kansas, but Blake Nash and Toarlyn Fitzpatrick are also dealing with injuries (ankle) but should be ready for this game.  FAMU, 2-7, has won two straight games and will look to fire away from 3-point range and try to force turnovers in their upset bid. 

Sophomore forward Reggie Lewis (6-2 200-pounds) is averaging 11 points a game, 3.1 rebounds a game, and 11 assists on the year.  He is 8 of 33 shooting from 3-point range, hitting just 24% of his shots, but he will continue to fire away.  Senior forward Yamick Crowder (6-8 215-pounds) is averaging 10.9 points a game and 7.3 rebounds a game, so look for him to battle with Anderson, Gilchrist, and Rudd inside the paint during the game. 

Freshman guard D'Andre Bullard (6-3 170-pounds) is averaging 5.7 points a game, 2.8 rebounds a game, and has 13 assists but also has 22 turnovers on the season.  FAMU averages 17.8 turnovers a game, so this will be a real key to the game.  FAMU also forces 18.5 turnovers a game compared to USF which turns it over 13.5 times a game, so ball control is key for this season. 

Sophomore guard Avery Moore (5-10 160-pounds) is averaging 10.0 points a game, hitting 22 of 75 shots from 3-point range (just 29%) showing the Rattlers will fire away from beyond the arc.  Senior guard Brandon Hosely (5-10 190-pounds) is averaging 10 points a game and 1.7 rebounds per game in just 3 games of action for him.  Junior forward Markee Teal (6-7 235-pounds) is averaging 5.6 points a game and 4.6 rebounds a game (another key player to battle in the paint).  Junior guard Jeffrey Kennings (5-10 185-pounds) is averaging 1.7 points a game, 1.1 rebounds a game, plus 11 assists and 17 turnovers a game. 

USF is the favorite here.  The Bulls have the size inside, but will need their guard to slow down FAMU and their pressure and three point shooting.