USF MBB Notches First Win of 2012 Over Rutgers

Collins had a career high 10 assists as the Bulls notch their first Big East win of the season.

2012 got off to an exciting start as the USF Bulls beat Rutgers 67 to 65, improving to 8-7 (1-1) on the season. USF came out strong in this game, but the hot shooting of Rutgers and pressure made it hard for the Bulls. Eli Carter had 23 points for the Knights but it wasn't enough as the Bulls hung on at the end.

Augustus Gilchrist had 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks on the afternoon. Toarlyn Fitzpatrick had just 3 points and 5 rebounds. Shaun Noriega, getting the start, had 6 points. Hugh Robertson had 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists on the afternoon. The real story of the game was the play of true freshman Anthony Collins who had 7 points, 10 assists, a new career high (had 7 turnovers though in the game, no thanks to Carter and Mack for RU) and one rebound. He made the highlight move at the end of the game, driving to the basketball, getting the shot and the foul call. He made the free throw that put USF ahead for good in the game.

Ron Anderson had a huge game, scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds, and adding 2 assists. He heated up in the second half and became a force inside. Rudd had 5 points and 2 assists. Jawanza Poland had 6 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Blake Nash had 3 points and an assist.

This was a huge win for USF. They had a strong game against UCONN, but came up short in that one. Facing a hot Rutgers team that can shoot the lights out was a real test, but USF made the plays at the end of the game and came away with the first conference win (had just 3 last year). The Bulls will hit the road to take on Villanova on Thursday night at 8PM for the first conference road game of the year.