TAMPA, FL - The USF Bulls cruised to an 82-63 victory over the Bradley Braves on Tuesday night in front of a crowd of 4,768 at the Sun Dome.
The Bulls sprinted out to a 23-9 lead to open up the game. USF started 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and finished the game shooting 44% from three-point range.
USF was led by Victor Rudd, who notched his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
“I’m 6’9, the tallest dude in the lineup,” Rudd said. “I have to get the most rebounds.”
Rudd was able to do just that as both his points and rebounds were a season-high through five games.
Toarlyn Fitzpatrick followed with 16 points of his own along with six rebounds.
An emphasis throughout the season has been winning the rebounding battle, and on Tuesday USF was able to come out on top in that category. The Bulls grabbed 42 rebounds to Bradley’s 32.
A big part of this turnaround is the presence of 7’3 redshirt freshman Jordan Omogbehin. Omogbehin has turned into the fan favorite and deservedly so - in a season-high 14 minutes of action, he scored six points and grabbed six rebounds.
Coach Stan Heath said that the emphasis for this Bulls team needs to be put on defense, and the Bulls came to play as they held the Braves to just 35% shooting from the field.
The Bulls (3-2) hit the court again on Monday, November 26th as they take on the Stetson Hatters. That game will be broadcasted live on Bulls Radio at 7 p.m.