USF-Providence: Bulls Surprise Friars With Overtime Win

Dominique Jones went off for a career-high 46 points as USF upset Providence 109-105 in overtime. Jones did it all for the Bulls and was two assists off the triple-double, as he added 10 rebounds to the stat sheet.

The Bulls offense was running on all cylinders against the Friars, with every starter in double figures. This is the first time this season the Bulls have accomplished this feat.

Jarrid Famous had 17 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the second half. Mike Mercer also had seven rebounds, but chipped in 17 points of his own. Chris Howard put in 12 points, but it was Toarlyn Fitzpatrick’s 12 points that were important. Fitzpatrick was 1-of-5 from three-point range this season, but heaved a desperation three as time expired to send the Bulls into overtime and their eventual win.

The Bulls survived a poor perimeter shooting performance, only managing 28 percent from behind the arc. They finished shooting 52 percent from the field.

The Friars bombarded the Bulls all night with three-point attempts. They went 11-of-25 for 44 percent and matched the Bulls 52 percent from the field.

The offense for the Friars was much more concentrated than that of the Bulls. Jamie Peterson had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Sharaud Curry matched him with 24 points. Marshon Brooks added 25 points, and Vincent Council added 17 of his own.

USF (12-7) now begins a home stretch with Seton Hall and Pittsburgh for its next two games. Augustus Gilchrist is expected to return sometime around the Pittsburgh game on January 31. The addition of Gilchrist will bring an added dimension to USF on both sides of the court with his 18 points a game and eight rebounds a game.

The Bulls are 6-3 at home this season and are now 2-5 in conference with both of those wins coming in a week. Seton Hall comes into this contest on Thursday only 2-2 on the road this season. The Bulls should be able to take this win, along with their usual tough play in the Sun Dome and sneak out a win over the Pirates in a close game.