USF Takes on Providence

The USF Bulls, after their rough 47 to 67 loss to Marquette on Tuesday, hit the floor as they try to improve on their 12-9 (5-3) record, but it won't be an easy task as the Providence Friars come to town.  Providence enters the game with a 12-9 record, but just 1-7 in league play (coming off of a loss to Pitt). 

The Friars are averaging 69.7 points per game, but also allow 67 points per game.  This means the Bulls, who couldn't find their range at Marquette, should be able to get some offense going as they try for league win number 6 on the  year (game starts at 2PM). (Also note this is my alma mater weekend trip sponsored by Volvo.  I will be tweeting before, during, and after the game and handing out some awesome gear!  Make sure to follow the Bull Rush twitter feed (@thebullrush) to get details on where I am at during the game!)

The Friars are led by junior guard Vincent Council (6-2 180-pounds).  Council is averaging 16.7 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and leads the team with 6.8 assists per game.  USF has to slow his tempo down, both with his shooting and ability to set up the offense.  Sophomore guard Bryce Cotton (6-1 165-pounds) is averaging 15 points per game (shooting 40% from 3-point range) while averaging 2.8 rebounds per game and leading the team with 26 steals.

Sophomore guard Gerard Coleman (6-4 180-pounds) is averaging 14 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game, giving the Friars a balanced a scoring attack.  Freshman forward LaDonate Henton (6-6 220-pounds) is averaging 12.7 points per game, 9 rebounds per game, and leads the team with 22 blocks on the season.  USF will need its big men, Anderson, Rudd, and Gilchrist, to control the boards in this game.  Sophomore forward Kadeem Batts (6-9 250-pounds) is averaging 9 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Junior center/forward Bilal Dixon (6-9 249-pounds) is averaging 3.7 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game off the bench.  Freshman forward Bryce Kofane 96-8 205-pounds) is averaging 2.7 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game.  Sophomore forward Ron Giplaye (6-6 230-pounds) is averaging 1.3 points per game and 2.3 rebounds per game as well.

This will be an interesting game.  The Friars bring a multiple guard look to the game, relying on them to get the scoring.  They have solid big men in the paint, but USF tends to have the size advantage in the paint.  The Bulls will want to slow the face down, limiting the number of touches for the Friars and then execute their offense through Anthony Collins.  Expect a low scoring game, somewhere in the 50s, and hopefully another USF win.