USF MBB Hits the Road to Take on Marquette

After their road game against DePaul on Sunday afternoon, the Bulls will continue their road trip as they take on Marquette in another big game.

The Golden Eagles of Marquette (ranked 21st in the AP poll) enter the game with a record of 16-4 (5-2) and are an impressive 10-1 at home this season. They are averaging 76.8 points per game and 8.8 steals per game. They like to get up and down the floor, pushing the tempo while USF likes to slow it down and run their offense out of the half court set. These are two contrasting styles that will make for a great game.

Marquette is led by senior guard Darius Johnson-Odom (6-2 215-pounds) that is averaging 18.2 points per game (shooting 39% from 3-point range), with 3.3 rebounds per game, and has 20 steals. Sophomore forward Davante Gardner (6-8 290-pounds) is averaging 9.6 points per game (shooting 57% from the floor) and pulling down 5.5 rebounds per game, posing a real threat inside for the Bulls.

Senior forward Jae Crowder (6-6 235-pounds) is averaging 16.3 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and has 43 steals on the season. Sophomore guard Vander Blue (6-4 200-pounds) is averaging 7.8 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 3.45 assists per game. Junior guard Junior Cadougan (6-1 205-pounds) is averaging 6.5 points per game, 1.9 rebounds per game, and 5.35 assists per game (huge match-up to watch with Anthony Collins).

Freshman guard Todd Mayo (6-3 190-pounds) is averaging 10 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game in limited action. Sophomore forward Jamil Wilson (6-7 205-pounds) is averaging 5.4 points per game and 3.4 rebounds per game.

The Bulls lost to Marquette last year 58 to 59 in a tight game at the Sun Dome. The Bulls will have to control the pace of this game if they want to get a huge road win over a tough ranked foe. Look for USF to slow the pace of the game down and try to use their size inside to outrebound the Eagles.