USF-CMU: Chippewas Scalp Bulls 59-56 Without Augustus Gilchrist

USF has already shown it desperately misses the services of its star center Augustus Gilchrist during its 59-56 loss to Central Michigan in the Sun Dome.

Gilchrist, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, will be out for the next six to seven weeks. He is going to be reevaluated over the next month to determine when his exact return will be known.

Until then, the Bulls will eagerly await his return.

Dominique Jones can only do so much without his partner in crime, and even a 24-point game wasn’t enough to get a win at home against a struggling Chippewa team. Jones was a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe and shot 7-18 from the field including a 2-5 performance from behind the arc.

Chris Howard was the only other Bull in double figures with 13 points. The rest of the team struggled through both halves shooting 38 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range.

The Bulls were out rebounded 30-25, most of which happened in the final minutes of the second half as Central Michigan sealed the game giving the Chippewas’ a rare road victory.

Robbie Harman led the way for Central Michigan with 14 points and Jordan Bitzer added 12 points as the only other Chippewa in double figures.

Central shot 37 percent from the field, but went 40 percent from three-point range. They dominated the Bulls in the paint on both ends, leading in rebounds, blocks, and steals.

USF (7-2) will have to pick up the pieces before their next game against in state rival UCF (7-2). 

The Bulls need to get more bench production along with some scoring from their big men, Jarrid Famous and Toarlyn Fitzpatrick. Both players had five points apiece and were in foul trouble early in the second half.

Stan Heath and crew have a long way to go before they will be ready for Big East play with efforts like the one today.