South Florida-Syracuse: They Are Who We Thought They Were

USF suffered it’s 34th road loss out of 36 games in Big East play on its way to an 0-3 start in conference play so far this year. We all knew this would be a horrible mismatch for the Bulls, and they proved us right as they got pounded 82-65 by the No. 7 team in the nation.

The Bulls dug too deep of a hole in the first half to overcome in the second half as they went down 40-28 at halftime. They played tough in the second half being outscored 42-37, but the damage was already done.

USF hasn’t been able to fix its shooting woes since conference play started and today was a perfect example of that. The Bulls shot 40 percent from the field and a season low 16 percent from beyond the arc. They added 13 turnovers as the Orange defense stymied any second half comeback.

Dominique Jones had a game high 30 points and nine rebounds, but didn’t get much help from his supporting cast. Mike Mercer had 13 points and six rebounds as the only other player in double figures. Jarrid Famous added nine points and 12 rebounds but struggled against Wesley Johnson.

Syracuse (15-1) did what it always does against the Bulls, plays solid defense and gets a well rounded scoring effort as they cruise to an easy win. Four players were in double figures for the Orange, led by Wesley Johnson’s 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Ricky Jackson had 15 points, while Brandon Triche chipped in 10 points of his own. Arinze Onuaku got into foul trouble but still got 12 points and four rebounds in limited action.

The Orange shot 50 percent from the field and added 29 percent from behind the arc. They added 19 team assists to the Bulls 11, but were out rebounded 37-34.

USF (10-5) goes against West Virginia (12-2) on Wednesday for its fourth conference game. The road doesn’t get any easier for the Bulls this week, and they will have to fix their dismal three-point shooting if their going to have a chance in this one.