USF Beats Villanova for the 3rd Time this Season; Advances to Quarterfinals of Big East Tournament

Make it 4 straight wins over Villanova.

The Quest for 20 has been completed.  The USF Bulls beat Villanova for the third time this season, winning 56 to 47 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament.  The Bulls, now 20-12 (13-6) on the season jumped out to an early lead in this game, leading by as many as 12 points in the first half.  They played outstanding defense as they have done all year, holding Nova under 60 points, the 9th straight game the Bulls have done that to an opponent.

Anthony Collins continued to mature in this game, leading the team with 17 points, 4 assists, and had 2 rebounds.  His play down the stretch has led the Bulls to the doorstep of the NCAA tournament.  Victor Rudd had 13 points and 6 rebounds.  Hugh Robertson had 8 points and 4 rebounds.  Augustus Gilchrist and Ron Anderson each had 3 points each as well.  Jawanza Poland and Toarlyn Fitzpatrick each had 6 points and 4 rebounds off the bench as the Bulls took control and never looked back in this one.

This was a huge win for the team.  After dropping the last home game to WVU, the Bulls needed another win in order to improve their resume before selection Sunday and they accomplished that.  The team will now face 23rd ranked Notre Dame today at 9PM in the quarterfinals of the tournament.  ND beat USF earlier this year 60 to 49, but on the big stage of NYC, who knows what might happen.  The Quest for 21 is on (why not!)