USF Bulls Radio

The University of South Florida Bulls returned from Providence with their second Big East win of the season, and enough confidence to bag their third as they defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 76 – 74. It was the second overtime win in a row for the Bulls and their first back-to-back Big East victories.

“It was a springboard for us,” Coach Stan Heath said about the win at Providence. “ But we didn’t get overconfident.”

Junior Guard Dominique Jones scored 46 points against Providence and broke USF’s single-game scoring record, held by Charlie Bradley since 1982. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Big East Player of the Week.

Jones has carried much of the Bull’s weight offensively this season, averaging 21 PPG game. He has publicly expressed frustration with the lack of support he receives from his teammates on the court. This was not the case tonight as Chris Howard and Jarrid Famous each contributed in a big way. Howard scored 12 points and had 6 rebounds. Famous scored 15 points and had 14 rebounds.

“I don’t know what I would do without him [Howard],” Jones said.

Although they didn’t quite recreate the magic that pulled them out of a 13-point deficit last week, they did manage to control the ball against a team known for its ability to press their opponents and force turnovers. They had only eight turnovers within 45 minutes.

“We didn’t press that much and that hurt us. Crater and some of their guys held the ball well,” Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez said.

Jones shot well sinking 10 of 11 free-throw shots but missed the final field goal attempt in the second half as both teams were tied at 65. In overtime the Bulls gained the lead and held on to it, with Jarrid Famous sealing the deal on a free throw attempt. As the buzzer sounded Famous exhaled and walked off the court triumphantly.

Despite walking away with the victory there was one big problem area for the Bulls. They missed several opportunities to rebound the ball, snatching only 35 rebounds compared to the Pirates’ 43.

“We were over excited and just not coming up with the ball,” said coach Heath.

Although they had their struggles, they pulled through adversity and back-to-back Big East victories may be just the motivation the Bulls need to go up against Pittsburgh on Sunday.

USF has faced Seton Hall seven times and had never previously won.

“You can’t continue to beat the same team, sooner or later you’ll get knocked off.” Coach Gonzalez said. “They have gotten a lot better.”

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