USF MBB takes on VCU

Fitzpatrick and company face a tough road test at VCU (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The USF Bulls, 4-2, fresh off of a win over FAU are on the road this time as they travel to Virginia to take on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) (game starts at 7:30PM).

The Bulls are making a change in the backcourt, going with freshman Anthony Collins and Blake Nash at the guard positions.  Collins has made a strong impression with his play at the point position while Nash can pass and also create his own shot, giving the Bulls a fast and dangerous tandem. Collins and Nash will have to come up big with big man Augustus Gilchrist still questionable with a shoulder injury. 

VCU enters the game with a 3-3 record and looking to get a big win at home.

VCU is led by senior guard/forward Bradford Burgess (6-6 225-pounds).  He is averaging 12.3 points a game and 4.2 rebounds a game, playing well off the wing.  Rudd and Fitzpatrick will have to slow him down and dominate the boards.  Junior guard Troy Daniels (6-4 200-pounds) is averaging 9.3 points a game and 4 rebounds a game (has size advantage on Collins and Nash).

Sophomore guard Rob Brandenberg (6-2 180-pounds) is averaging 9.7 points a game, 3 rebounds a game, has 14 assists, but also has 8 turnovers.  Look for Nash to harass him the entire game with his speed.  Junior guard Darius Theus (6-3 200-pounds) is averaging 8 points a game, 2.3 rebounds a game, leads the team with 27 assists but also leads with 25 turnovers.  Once again, Nash and Collins are outsized by the guards of VCU, but they make up for it with speed. 

Sophomore forward Juvonte Reddic (6-9 235-pounds) is averaging 8.3 points a game and 5 rebounds a game. Freshman guard Briante Weber (6-3 160-pounds) is averaging 7.5 points a game and 3.2 rebounds a game off the bench. Sophomore center D.J. Haley (7-0 250-pounds) is averaging 3.8 points a game and 4.2 rebounds a game (big time size in the paint for VCU there).  Freshman guard Treveon Graham (6-5 215-pounds) is averaging 3.3 points a game and 2.7 rebounds game, giving VCU another big body off the bench to take over at the guard spot.

Coach Heath is going young in the backcourt with Collins and Nash, but is confident they will come through and run the show for him.  With Gilchrist out, Anderson, Fitzpatrick, and Rudd will have to attack the boards and play big in the paint for USF.  The Bulls need this win as they head into the weekend before heading to face Kansas.