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The Bulls, 5-3, had to rally from down 19 points to force overtime to beat Bethune Cookman 79 to 73. It was not a pretty game at all, but we have a victory in the stat sheet despite despite their best efforts to lose this game.
USF was down 44 to 31 at the half despite shooting 52% from the floor compared to a 46% mark for Bethune Cookman. USF was also down 16 to 17 in the rebounding battle and had 11 turnovers. It was a ugly 20 minutes against a team that has an RPI of 334 on the year and entered the game at 3-7. They weren’t exactly the most elite opponent in the world and yet, the Bulls were still down double digits.
In the 2nd half, despite being down 19 points at one point, the Bulls rallied. Putting together a 13 point run late, the Bulls were able to push the game to OT where they were able to steal it late. I have to repeat myself, USF should have never been forced to battle its way to OT against Bethune Cookman. They are beyond lucky to win this game.
USF shot 52% for the game while Bethune Cookman shot 36%. The Bulls won the rebounding battle at 44 to 39 and had just 3 more turnovers in the 2nd half and overtime period.
Jahmal McMurray had 20 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists of the bench. Bo Ziegler kept the Bulls in the game with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Tulio Da Silva had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Geno Thorpe had 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. Malik Fitts had 12 points (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 rebounds in a career day for the freshman (made the spot start).
The Bulls will host South Carolina on Saturday at 1 PM as they try to make it two in a row. The Quest for 10 wins is alive and well folks!
by Matt Staton
SoFloBulls.com Columnist | @USFMatt
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