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USF improved to 2-1 on the season with a 70 to 65 victory over Rider on Saturday night. It was a close game from the start and despite Rider leading for most of it, USF took control late and held on for their second victory of the young season.
In the first half, the Bulls were down 34 to 37. USF was just 4 for 12 from 3-point range and had 9 turnovers. It wasn’t pretty again, but Malik Fitts had 11 points and Geno Thorpe added 9 points to keep USF in the game.
In the 2nd half, USF was able to take control late and hold on for the win. The Bulls shot 46% overall for the game despite being out rebounded 33 to 43 and committing 17 turnovers for the game. Turnovers continue to hurt this group and it has to be something Coach Antigua and his staff are addressing. Getting Jahmal McMurray should help the issue in the next week or so.
Geno Thorpe again led the Bulls with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Thorpe has played incredibly well through these first three games. Tulio Da Silva had 13 points and 5 rebounds while Troy Holston added 10 points and 2 rebounds. Malik Fitts had 11 points and 5 rebounds, Mike Bibby had 8 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists (off the bench), while Ruben Guerrero had 8 points and 6 rebounds (scoreless in the last game). Xavier Lundy had 16 points and 9 rebounds for Rider.
The Bulls will hit the road for the first time this year as they head to FAU (game begins at 7 PM) on Tuesday afternoon. Let’s see if they can make it two in a row.
by Matt Stanton
SoFloBulls.com Columnist | @USFMatt
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