USF had cut an 11-point Syracuse lead to five points on Jesus Verdejo's first points, but Syracuse has caught fire, ending the half with 11 straight points to extend its lead to 35-19 late in the first half.
The Bulls are 0-for-11 on 3-pointers -- it's not a good sign when center B.J. Ajayi is your leading scorer with eight points ... and the next highest scorer has two points. Dominique Jones is 1-for-6 and Verdejo is 1-for-8, each of USF's top two scorers on the season getting just two points in the half.
Syracuse is definitely attacking USF's lack of post players -- the Orange has a 23-16 rebounding edge, and USF is running into foul trouble -- Alex Rivas Sanchez has three fouls, and Aris Williams has two. Syracuse as a team has just three fouls, so this has the makings of a long night unless USF can find its perimeter shooting. Center Arinze Onuaku leads the Orange with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Interesting note, comparing this season to Stan Heath's first in Tampa. Even though USF went 12-19 last season, the Bulls lost only three games by 15 points or more, and none by more than 20. Down 16 at the half here, USF has already lost four games by 15 or more points in the first 12 games, including a 23-point loss to Oral Roberts.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Well we are not gonna win this one. But the team played well and the fans were great . We have a chance to win some games this year . Great hoops game. Great atmosphere in the dome .
Posted by: bull hooper | January 02, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Bulls 38 orange 47. sloppycuse letting things go and giving a slim chance.
Posted by: BullBard | January 02, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Excitement for Bulls! USF 28 orange 39
syracuse weakness, if any, seems to be poor free throw shooting by their big center.
Posted by: BullBard | January 02, 2009 at 09:42 PM
This is the first USF game I have seen this yr since I now live in Las Vegas. I tried to be obejective; however, what a poor effort. Dribbling down and taking one shot, not even working the offense. They look intimidated, and have been killed on the boards. Just shooting jump shots will not cut it. The few times they did get penetration they ended up with easy baskets.
Posted by: 702JV | January 02, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Glad for the update, Greg. No real shock there--Syracuse is a very, very good basketball team.
Posted by: Ken | January 02, 2009 at 09:29 PM