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USF fell to 5-5 on the year with a 48 to 59 loss to Northern Illinois last night. On the news that Jahmal McMurray was leaving and without Troy Holston (knee), the Bulls struggled from the jump.
USF led in the first half, 26 to 24 in a defensive battle. The Bulls were up 25 to 18 in rebounds, but had 10 turnovers. Mike Bibby had 8 points and 2 assists to lead the Bulls. It was a tough battle, but at the break, the Bulls did lead. However, in the second half, things turned sour for the struggling Bulls.
In the second half, Huskies took the lead and never looked back as the Bulls struggled to get any offense going. USF shot 31% from the field despite winning the rebounding battle, 44 to 38. The Bulls committed 21 turnovers and were outscored 11 to 27 off the bench. USF was short-handed from the start and played catch-up all night. Welcome to more of the same from 2015.
Mike Bibby had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Bulls. Bo Zeigler had 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals before fouling out. Tulio Da Silva had 9 points and 8 rebounds (6 turnovers). Malik Fitts had 7 points and 8 rebounds while Geno Thorpe had 7 points (3 for 13 from the field) and added 2 assists. It was just more of the same for this group.
USF will host Delaware on Thursday at 7 PM in the Sun Dome. At this point, buckle up and get ready for a rough few months. This group is short-handed and will be hitting the conference portion of the schedule next week. Yikes.
by Matt Staton
SoFloBulls.com Columnist | @USFMatt
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