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USF begins the season 1-0 with a 84 to 73 victory over FAMU. The Bulls led by double digits for most of the game and got that first victory of the season under their belt on the opening night. It’s all about taking small steps right now.
The Bulls led 45 to 32 at the break. USF was shooting 53% from the field (35% for FAMU) and was 5 for 12 from 3-point range for the first half. USF held the edge in rebounds at 24 to 13 and a dominating mark of 28 to 8 in points in the paint as the Bulls attacked the rim early and often in this game. FAMU went 4 minutes at one stretch without a field goal.
The Rattlers made it close in the second half, coming within 7 points a few times, but USF was able to pull away late (FAMU went another 4 minute period with no field goals). USF shot 54% for the game, but just 5 for 15 from 3-point range (can’t wait for Jahmal McMurray to get back). The Bulls did lead 47 to 32 in rebounds and 46 to 16 in points in paint which is a very good sign. However, USF did have 16 turnovers to just 10 for FAMU (have to clean that up).
Geno Thrope went off in his USF debut with 19 points (8 for 17) with 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Bo Zeigler had 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals before fouling out. Ruben Guerrero had 13 points and 16 rebounds while Tulio Da Silva had 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks but did foul out as well. Mike Bibby had 10 points and 2 rebounds and Troy Holston had 7 points (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 rebounds to round out the top scorers for the Bulls. Marcus Barham had 22 points and 3 rebounds to lead FAMU.
The Bulls will take the court again when Elon comes to town next Thursday (game beings at 7 PM) as USF tries to improve to 2-0 to start the year. I hope they can get it done and continue to hold out until McMurray returns.
by Matt Staton
SoFloBulls.com Columnist | @USFMatt
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