Final Thoughts on USF Men's Bakseball Season 2011-2012

USF men's basketball season is over, but what a season it was for the Bulls. The team went 22-14, making it to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament, the first tournament appearance in 20 years and the first two wins in the tournament in program history. While the Ohio loss was painful, the team had a season to remember and the future is even brighter.

USF Falls to Ohio in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament

The journey has come to an end. After a tremendous season, the USF Bulls fell last night to Ohio, 56 to 62, in the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. USF, finishing the year at 22-14, had an early lead in the game, but the Bobcats made huge shots down the stretch and USF didn't have the answer, but while the loss hurts, we should be proud of this team and the program on the new heights they have accomplished.

USF Falls 56 to 62 to Ohio

The season is over. The Bulls had the lead at a few points, but Ohio was able to hit their clutch shots down the stretch and the Bulls could not answer. The year is over, but this is one of the greatest seasons in USF history. We are so proud of this team. This will be a year to remember and build from. GO BULLS.

USF Faces Ohio in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament

This has been, might as well keep it going.

The USF Bulls, 22-13, continue their play into March as the NCAA tournament continues.  After beating Temple in the second round, the Bulls must now face Ohio out of the MAC conference as they try to continue this historic season.

USF MBB Beats Temple Advances to Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament

They are still dancing.

It happened again. The USF Bulls, with defense, determination, and and a ton of fight, rallied from a poor first half where they were down 9 to 19 at one stage and had missed 22 straight shots and came back in the second half to beat Temple 58 to 44. The Bulls couldn't buy a shot in the first half, but Noriega made a big three to get the team within 4 heading into the locker room. The Bulls came out in the second half on an 11 to 2 run, taking the lead and never looking back.

USF Beats Temple

Yeah, we did that.

It is real life people. The Bulls, after an ugly first half, beat Temple 58 to 44, moving to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. USF was down by 10 in the first half, but they stormed back, taking the lead, locking down on defense, and advancing again. This is just unreal, Ohio is next, just keep it going.

This Was No Upset!

South Florida Bulls No Upset T-Shirt

USF Takes on Temple in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament

The Bulls, after beating Cal 65 to 54 in the first four in part of the tournament, head to Nashville as the 12 seed to face 5th seeded Temple.

Temple, 24-7 on the year, finished 13-3 this year in the Atlantic-10 conference.  The Owls averaged 76.2 points per game, shooting 47% from the floor as their strong backcourt led the charge.  The Owls also allowed 69 points per game, preferring an up-tempo style of play.  The Bulls on the other hand will look to slow the game down, make each possession count, and get after them on defense.  This will be an interesting game to watch (game tips off at 9:50PM in Nashville, a late start, but worth every second).

History Made as Bulls Beat Cal

Victor Rudd had a strong game as the Bulls won their first NCAA tournament game in program history.

History was made last night as the Bulls, in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, beat Cal 65 to 54, the first win in the tournament in program history. The Bulls jumped out to a huge lead, holding Cal to just 13 points in the first half, showcasing their aggressive defense. The Bulls led by as many as 30 points in the game as they were able to rest several of the starters and get the big win as the clock went to zero (team is now 21-13).

Bulls Beat Cal

It happened, yes, it happened. The Bulls rolled in the first game of the NCAA tournament in the first four in segment as they beat Cal 65 to 54. The Bulls will play Temple on Friday. We will have a full recap tomorrow morning, but this is huge for the team, the program, and the university, what a great night.

Game Day is Here!

It's been 20 long years, but it's game time in the big dance.

This is it. 20 years in the making. The Bulls are only a few hours away from taking the court in their first NCAA game in two decades, looking for their first win in tournament history. This team has gone through a lot, from injuries at the beginning, to huge upsets on the road, and finally being selected to the big dance.

USF MBB to Face Cal in the First Round Play-in Game of the NCAA Tournament

Time to dance. The USF Bulls, 20-13 on the season are playing in the first play-in game of the NCAA Tournament. For the first time in 20 years, the Bulls are in the tournament, but are facing a tough draw in the first play-in game in Dayton, Ohio (game to start at 9PM) as they face the Golden Bears of Cal.

Cal is 24-9 on the year (finished 13-5 in the Pac-12) are just 5-6 away from California and are 2-2 on neutral sites. Cal averages 71.1 points per game and allows just 61.8 points per game as well. They typically run with a 4-guard set and like to run up and down the court with an up-tempo. The Bulls will have to slow the pace of the game, win the battle in the paint, and make the shots when they get them. Let's see what the Golden Bears bring to the court.

Unique New Shoes Available for USF MBB on Wednesday Night

As the Bulls prepare for their game tomorrow against Cal in the first round of the NCAA tournament, some of the Bulls could be wearing some new shoes from Under Armour. Greg Auman took this picture at their practice today in Dayton, showing off the new shoes available to the players for the game. Not everyone will wear them of course, but a few might and you won't miss them running down the court.

USF 2012 NCAA Tournament Commemorative T-Shirt

USF students, alumni, and fans; before the South Florida Bulls big game tomorrow against Cal in the first round of the 2012 NCAA men's basketball tournament be sure to pick up your commemorative USF 2012 NCAA Tournament T-Shirt from Bulls Heaven located at 1418 E. Busch Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612. Hours: M-F 9AM-6PM, SAT 10AM-5PM, SUN Closed. GO BULLS!

Why I Feel Good About USF's Tournament Potential

It finally happened. Whether you were stoked that USF even made the tournament at all, or disappointed that we were downgraded to a last-four-in slot and have to play a play-in game, the Bulls are going to the 2012 NCAA championship tournament. Their first game is Wednesday night against Cal in Dayton at 9:00 PM.

Awesome Image from Last Night

I think they are excited.

What an unreal night.  20 years of history.  20 years of waiting to return to the tournament is over.  The Bulls sat like all of us last night, waiting, listening, watching the brackets get filled in and finally, their name was called.  The image above (from USF athletics) shows the energy and excitement at the announcement of the Bulls returning to the dance, just look at Judy jumping!  This is awesome.  We will have full coverage of the game, scouting Cal and what they bring to the court, but this image will be a last reminder of the success and the future of the basketball program.

USF is Dancing!

WE SEE YOU! TIME TO DANCE!

After hours of waiting, the brackets were unveiled and the USF Bulls made it into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1992, 20 long years!

USF Beats Villanova 65 to 51

Hugh Robertson had 14 as the Bulls pulled away from Villanova late in route to their 16th win of the season (Picture: AP)

The USF Bulls, looking to defend their home court, were able to pull away in an early defensive battle 65 to 51. The game was tied at 20 all at the half, but the Bulls were able to pull ahead after a flagrant foul against Nova and a technical on Jay Wright that gave the Bulls the lead and momentum, they never looked back after that as they improve to 16-10 (9-4) on the season (that is not a typo, trust me on that).

USF WBB Wins Third Straight Over Bethune-Cookman

Jasmine Wynne continues her strong start to her senior season as the Bulls climb back to 3-2 (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The ladies continue their winning streak as they beat down Bethune-Cookman 72 to 36, improving to 3-2 on the season (just getting started). The ladies dominated the entire game, running up and down the court. They shot 43% from the field and over 90% from the free throw line. They weren't sharp from 3-point range, but there was no need for it in this game.

USF WBB Takes on Bethune-Cookman

Caitlin Rowe (above) continues to impress early in the season (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The USF ladies are 2-2 on the season after beating UNF down 76 to 41 in the last game. The Bulls got the offense going and got plenty of minutes for the bench players as Fernandez develops depth on his team. This game, he will need everyone to take what they have learned in the first 4 games of the season and put it all on the court as Bethune Cookman comes to town.

BCU is 1-0 on the season, coming off of a 74 to 52 win over Ave Maria in Daytona. BCU plays an aggressive style, led by their two outstanding guards will will put pressure on the Bulls. USF has a size advantage and should take full advantage of it.