USF Keeps Tournament Hopes Alive with Win Over Cincinnati

This was a must win game for the Bulls, they answered the call and took a 65-57 win over the Bearcats. After losing two games in a row USF needed to get it’s NCAA Tournament hopes back on track. A loss to Cincinnati would all but close the door on any shot to go dancing.

Dominique Jones continues to carry the team, even with Gilchrist back in the lineup. His 26 points were a game high, but he also added five rebounds.

Augustus Gilchrist made his first start since mid-December. In the last two games he’s looked rusty and it showed tonight with his five turnovers. He finished with 10 point and six rebounds.

The next few games will be very important for the Bulls star forward, he needs to be in mid-season form all while playing preseason time. This wont be an easy task, but going into the Big East Tournament, USF will need him at his best.

Mike Mercer picked up the slack and chipped in 12 points and played stifling defense. Chris Howard once again showed his leadership with seven assists and four points. His quick dishes in the paint continually lead to easy Bulls points.

Anthony Crater is a spark plug off the bench, his nine points and quick hands help the Bulls on fast breaks. Toarlyn Fitzpatrick is another key player coming off the USF bench. His four rebounds and four points came in limited minutes, but help solidify the win. Most of his time comes when Gilchrist is in need of a breather, but the post play stays productive on both ends of the court.

Jarrid Famous missed tonight’s game, but will be expected back in the line up this weekend against St. Johns (14-10). This will be the first time since December that the Bulls will be full strength.  If everyone stays healthy, the Bulls should be able to benefit from this late season playing time before going into conference tournament play.

USF (16-9) has three very winnable games left on its schedule, which should get them to 19 wins on the season. They will lose at Villanova, but take on Connecticut the last game of the regular season in Tampa.

This game will be huge for any NCAA Tournament shot. If they pick up a win at home against the Huskies they might already be in going into the Big East Tournament. If not, it probably would only take an opening round win to get an invite to the Big Dance.