USF MBB Takes on Rutgers

After a tough loss to #9 UCONN last Wednesday night, USF, 7-7 (0-1), are home to welcome Rutgers to town. Rutgers, 8-5 (0-1), is on a hot streak right now, winning the last 4 games, including the big one in double overtime against 10th ranked UF.

The last time USF faced Rutgers, the Bulls lost 62 to 71. Gilchrist scored 14, Robertson scored 14, and Poland scored 11, so the Bulls are looking for a little revenge, but it won't be easy.

The Knights are riding the momentum right now and playing with confidence. USF had a tough loss to UCONN, but played hard and executed well, so this should be a very tight game, down to the finish (game starts at noon).

Rutgers is led by freshman guard Eli Carter (6-2 190-pounds). He is averaging 12.8 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. Sophomore forward Gilvydas Biruta (6-8 245-pounds) is averaging 11 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per contest, making him a body to keep off the glass (looking at you Gilchrist and Anderson).

Freshman guard Myles Mack (5-9 165-pounds) is averaging 10.8 points per game and 1.9 rebounds per game, giving the Knights a fast and young backcourt with Carter. Junior guard/forward Dane Miller (6-6 215-pounds) averages 7.2 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game. Junior forward Austin Johnson (6-8 255-pounds) is averaging 5.7 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Freshman guard Jerome Seagers (6-1 170-pounds) is averaging 8.2 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard/forward Mike Poole (6-5 195-pounds) is averaging 7.2 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Malnick Carroll (6-4 205-pounds) is averaging 2.8 points per game and 1.2 rebounds per game.

This is a critical game for USF. Sitting at 7-7 and 0-1 in Big East play, the Bulls need to get off to a strong start in conference play or the slow slide could happen again as they begin to face the top teams. They need to come out in this one with the same intensity as they did against UCONN and get a solid win.