South Florida-Florida Atlantic: Owls Don't Have an Answer to Gilchrist

The Bulls are looking like a real Big East team this year both with its scoring and defense. Augustus Gilchrist had a career high of 27 points and seven rebounds, while leading the Bulls to a 78-58 win over instate rival FAU.

Dominique Jones has had inconstant shooting all season and they was evident in his 4-13 performance. His 11 points came mostly from penetrating lay-ups, but his most impressive stat was his 10 assists. Most of these assist game in the form of dishes to Gilchrist who slammed them home.

USF shot 49 percent from the field and 47 percent from behind the arc. These types of performances will translate into win against Big East opponents, but the defensive pressure has got to stay the same. Gilchrist had three blocks and the Owls committed 10 turnovers as USF stymied the Owl offense in the paint.

The bench chipped in 10 of USF’s 78 points, but more importantly was responsible for some key rebounds and steals in the second half sealing the win for the Bulls. 

Once again, Stan Heath opened up the bench allowing for 11 of the 15 bulls players to see valuable action. This use of depth will keep USF fresh in the second half of games and gives Heath a chance to see what his future team will look like.

Gilchrist’s production so far this season should earn him All Big East honors if it continues through the rest of the season.  He’s currently averaging 20 points and seven rebounds a game, while leading the Bulls to a 6-1 record.

USF faces Hampton (0-5) on Wednesday at 7:00pm. This mismatch should allow for USF to once again get its benched involved, as the Bulls should come into this game heavily favored. USF will have two more home games after this before starting a set of road games and then a grueling start to conference play.