USF MBB Hits the Road to Take on Villanova

The Bulls hit the road for the first time to take on Villanova in the third game of the Big East schedule. USF is coming off of a strong win over Rutgers, improving to 8-7 (1-1) on the season. They are taking on Villanova, 7-7 (0-2) who is coming off of a tough loss to Marquette on the road.

The Bulls lost to Villanova in the regular season 71 to 83 last year, but got a huge upset win in the NCAA tournament with a 70 to 69 win in a big upset. In that game, Gilchrist scored 16 points, Poland had 11 points, and Noriega had 22 points (shot 6 of 12 from 3-point range). USF is looking for a big time win on the road, but it won't be easy in this one (game starts at 8PM).

Nova is lead by junior guard Maalik Wayns (6-2 200-pounds). He is averaging 17.2 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 5.2 assists per game as well. He leads the offense and also has 16 steals on the season, so Collins will have to watch for him during the game. Junior forward/center Mouphta Yarou (6-10 255-pounds) is averaging 13 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game on the season, anchoring the paint for Nova as they run a quick team with multiple guards on the floor.

Junior guard Dominic Cheek (6-6 190-pounds) is averaging 11.7 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard James Bell (6-6 225-pounds) is averaging 7.4 points per game (shooting 34% from 3-point range) and 3.8 rebounds per game. Freshman guard Darrun Hilliard (6-6 205-pounds) is averaging 6.9 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game to even out the starting rotation for the Wildcats.

Freshman forward Jayva Pinkston (6-7 260-pounds) is averaging 6.4 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game, adding side inside for the Wildcats. Freshman forward Marku Kennedy (6-9 260-pounds) is averaging 3.8 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game. Freshman guard Achruf Yacoubou (6-4 210-pounds) is averaging 3.4 points per game and .9 rebounds per game.

Nova runs with multiple guards in their starting lineup, relying on their forwards to protect the paint for them and add rebounding. USF has the talent on the front line, having more size and physical ability, but the question will come down to the guard play of USF. Collins, Poland, Robertson, and crew will have to face a veteran guard lineup of Nova that likes to run up and down the court. Nova is struggling to find the 3-point shot, but can run the tempo, something USF cannot allow. This game will be interesting to watch as the Bulls try to snatch a win on the road.