USF MBB Takes on Cincinnati in a Huge Bubble Game

The USF Bulls, 17-11 (10-5), are coming off of a hard fought loss to Syracuse and are on the bubble for the NCAA tournament selection time comes closer.  The Bulls need to win a few more games if they want to make their way to the dance and will need to protect home court with Cincinnati in town.  The Bearcats, 20-8 (10-5), on the season, are looking to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament, but facing the Bulls at home is no easy task. 

The Bearcats are just 6-4 away from home this season and average 69 points per game.  The Bulls, one of the toughest defenses in the country, will look to slow the pace and work the shot clock as they try to win this huge game (tip off is set for 12 noon, BE THERE).

Cincinnati is led by sophomore guard/forward Sean Kilpatrick (6-4 215-pounds).  He is averaging 14.9 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, and has 35 steals.  He is one of the best offensive playmakers in the Big East and will be a major shooter to shut down (look for Hugh to lock him down).  Senior guard Dion Dixon (6-3 195-pounds) is averaging 13.5 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, and has 45 steals on the year. Senior forward Yancy Gates (6-9 260-pounds) is averaging 12.3 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, and has 22 blocks.  He is a big force inside the paint and will be a tough player to out rebound against. Anderson, Gilchrist, and Rudd will have to be physical inside and get position in the paint for loose balls.

Junior guard Cashmere Wright (6-0 175-pounds) is averaging 11.3 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 4.6 assists per game, posing a matchup to watch with Anthony Collins.  Junior guard Jacquon Parker (6-3 210-pounds) is averaging 8.4 points per game and 5 rebounds per game.  Sophomore forward Justin Jackson (6-8 210-pounds) is averaging 5.2 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, and leads the team with 37 blocks and freshman guard Jeremiah Davis III (6-3 200-pounds) is averaging 3 points per game as well off the bench.

USF will need to control the pace of this game and lock down on defense.  Cincinnati likes to run with 4 guards at times and use Gates as the anchor in the paint.  USF has the size advantage with Rudd and Gilchrist, but they have to control the pace, burn the clock, and play excellent defense if they want to get a huge win.