USF Falls to Notre Dame in Overtime, Awaits Selection Sunday

Anthony Collins, with an injured hand, did everything he could but the Bulls came up just short in their bid to advance to the semifinals of the Big East tournament (Picture: Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

So close, so very close. The USF Bulls jumped out to a 20 to 8 lead over Notre Dame, but the Irish came back and in overtime, held on to beat USF 53 to 57. The Bulls, 20-13, had the ball and were up by 3 points in regulation, but bad plays and clutch shots were just too much for Heath and company as the Bulls missed their chance at a huge upset bid and now must wait for selection Sunday to see if they will be dancing.

Anthony Collins once again took over the show. He had 13 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals. He injured his left hand in overtime, but returned, hand taped, and continued to lead the point. Hugh Robertson had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Victor Rudd had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Augustus Gilchrist had 8 points and 7 rebounds and Ron Anderson Jr. had 2 points and 4 rebounds (was real quiet the last two games). Toarlyn Fitzpatrick had 3 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.

This was a hard fought game. The Bulls gave it everything but just couldn't hold on to the win. USF will now have to wait till 6PM on Sunday for the selection show and the brackets to be revealed. No team with at least 12 conference wins in the Big East has ever missed the NCAA tournament, so USF is hoping that trend continues. They will need bubble teams to fall and a bit of luck, but for now, they can only wait and watch.