BULSS SWEPT BY THE WAVE
[TAMPA, FL] Tuesday Night the Bulls (7-16,2-9 AAC) hosted the GreenWave of Tulane (11-11,2-9 AAC). USF coming off of a disappointing loss to Wichita State (69-73). The Bulls played without Jamir Chaplin, who was injured in the game against the Shockers. It’s Autism Awareness night at the Yuengling Center, as former University of Pittsburgh Forward Jason Matthews coached his son Brandon, who is a basketball Manager for the Bulls of South Florida.
Another opportunity in front of us Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/FsoF0FGtWu
— USF Men’s Basketball (@USFMBB) February 16, 2022
The Bulls looked out of sink for most of the game. In the first half shooting just 37 percent from the field. While managing to shoot 83 percent from the free throw line. In the first half, the Bulls only had 7 points from their bench. The Wave gave USF problems with their zone defense. Chaplin was missed the sophomore is averaging 9 points per game. He also opens the floor for Murphy and Greene.
The GreenWave outscored the Bulls in the paint 28- 18. Head Coach Brian Gregory, “When you’re down low and you get fouled you have to finish.” The Bulls’ Russel Tchewa was one point away from a double double. The USF big man was asked how frustrating is it to be down low being banged around and the ball is not dropping? He said, “I know that they are not going to call everything, just need to finish.” Meanwhille Serrel Smith Jr was the other bright spot playing his best game as a Bull leading the team with 17 points shooting 4-7 from three-point land.
Brandon brings an energy and positivity to our program on a daily basis that is unmatched! We’re blessed to have him as a member of our team 🤘
We look forward to celebrating B during tonight’s #AutismAwareness Game. @JMatty22 @autismspeaks pic.twitter.com/SlKYfOPA7b
— USF Men’s Basketball (@USFMBB) February 15, 2022
It was a strange game with Tulane not even gaining an offensive rebound the entire game. However, the GreenWave, held on to the ball for 34:01 minutes. The visitors from New Orleans stretched the USF defense out getting the Bulls into foul trouble and getting to the line.
Tulane shot a perfect 9-9 for the game tasking advantage of the charity stripe and limited their turnovers in the win. Bulls Head Coach Brian Gregory says, “I think they are top 15 or 10 in the country with not turning the ball over. Seven turnovers is about their average.” As a result, as a team Tulane shot 53% for the game from the field. They were led by a host of players in double figures Jaylen Forbes led all scores with 22 points. The Florence Mississippi product was 4-6 from beyond the arch and perfect from the free throw line shooting 2-2. He had help from Kevin Cross, who scored 19 points going 9 of 13 from the field.
Tonight at @USFMBB game the team and coaching staff donned a patch/pin to bring #AutismAwareness
In doing so, team manager Brandon Matthews was celebrated for all that he does!#HornsUp🤘 | @autismspeaks pic.twitter.com/V9Z1qgUYGe
— USF Athletics (@USFAthletics) February 16, 2022
What’s next for the Bulls of USF? The Bulls need to trust the process and take it one game at a time. Honestly, this team is a good team despite their record. They are battling the injury bug and the flu. Plus, they are a young team with one starting senior on the floor. If they stay together and trust the process they can grow and be that experienced team like Houston or Memphis. For now, they are the 7-17 and 2-9 in the AAC. The next home game for the Bulls is on Thursday, hosting the East Carolina University Pirates(12-12),at 7pm on ESPN+.
For more information on the USF BULLS follow Cliff McAfee, Jr on twitter @Cmac412Cliff or email [email protected]. Follow urbanmediatoday.com for sports, radio, and podcast.
