USF MBB Drops Game on Road at Notre Dame

Coach needs a hug after this game.

Fresh off of their win over Villanova, the Bulls headed to South Bend, but could not duplicate their previous road results, dropping the game 49 to 60 and now sit at 9-8 (2-2).  USF had a rough night on offense, shooting just 38.2% from the floor, including 1 of 13 from 3-point range. 

The Bulls were also sloppy handling the ball, committing 12 turnovers compared to just 4 assists on the night.  USF had the game close, but went cold in the second half and the Irish simply pulled away from the Bulls. 

Augustus Gilchrist had 13 points and 5 rebounds.  Toarlyn Fitzpatrick had just 4 points but added 10 rebounds. Anthony Collins, getting the start after being listed as day-to-day struggled a bit, shooting 2 of 8 for 6 points, adding 3 assists, 1 steal, but turned the ball over 3 times.  Shaun Noriega got the start, but went 0 for 3 from 3-point range and finished with just 2 points.  Hugh Robertson had 4 points and 1 steal. 

Ron Anderson Jr. had 6 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.  Victor Rudd was ice cold, scoring no points and pulling down 3 rebounds.  Blake Nash added 2 points and a steal.  Jawanza Poland had 12 points (5 of 12 shooting) with 4 rebounds and 2 steals (had a signature dunk early in the first half, but it wasn't enough to help the team win). 

The Bulls need to figure out the turnover issue if they want to get back to winning.  This was a tough game for the Bulls, but it may be a learning experience for them.  Heath and crew return home to take on 24th ranked Seton Hall on Friday at 7PM in the Tampa Bay Times Forum.