What USF Basketball Must Accomplish in New York

The Bulls ended the 2011-2012 season on a bit of a sour note, dropping the home finale against WVU 44 to 51 on Senior night. While the loss was disappointing to all, it wasn't the end of the world for the team. The Bulls, 19-12 (12-6) still posted one of the best seasons in program history and the most conference wins ever, but for this group, it is not enough. After that defeat, this trip to New York for the Big East tournament is even bigger than ever.

The team is right in the middle of its quest for the NCAA tournament bid, the first of which since 1992. While the 2009-2010 team made the NIT tournament (bounced in the first round) this team does not want to settle for that, the big dance is the goal, but the road there is tough. As Greg Auman reported from the teleconference with Jay Bilas, who will be covering the Big East tournament this week, the Bulls are right there. They are playing well and are right on the verge of getting to the tournament. But, while they may be right there, there is work to do done.

First, the Bulls need a little help. With all the mid-major teams in action this week, the team cannot afford an upset win. The mid-majors can tend to take up the at-large bids, so the Bulls need the favorites in each respective league to take care of business and avoid the upset bug that tends to strike during this time of the year.

Another aspect of the tournament hopes comes down to the NCAA committee, the experts in sports are a bit divided on USF. While ESPN (Vitale and others) have the Bulls in the tournament (some have them as the 12 seed facing UNLV in the first round), others have them just outside the bracket, the first four out. Being that close to the edge, their is no room for error at this point.

The Bulls got a first round bye, the first time in program history in the Big East, but sitting back for one game cannot guarantee they will come out strong and win the next game easily. The Bulls must be ready for whoever they play, either Rutgers or Villanova and make some noise in the tournament. There are still some who are looking at USF as just outside the dance and in need of a win, this is the chance. On national television, on the biggest stage of basketball, New York City, this is the chance the Bulls need. They must go out, get the win on Wednesday night, and continue on in the tournament and on to the dance.