MBB Matchups Set for USF Canadian Foreign Tour

[Triple B]

TAMPA, JUNE 6, 2019 – The USF men's basketball team will face its first opponents since winning the 2019 College Basketball Invitational later this summer when the Bulls travel to Canada August 3-9 for the team's Foreign Tour.

USF begins play Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. when the Bulls face the University of Quebec from Meagher Arena in Montreal. The Citadins finished the 2017-18 season with an 8-8 record in conference on their way to an appearance in the conference tournament finals. Center Alex Lochard was named the conference and National Rookie of the Year after leading the league with 18.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Last summer, the Citadins faced two NCAA teams and were defeated by both Vermont and Maryland Eastern Shore.

The Bulls will next make the short trip to Quebec City, Quebec, and play Laval University at PEPS Arena. Laval posted a 5-11 record last season and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Sam Houston State transfer Marc-Andre Fortin is the top returner for Laval after earning Second Team All-Conference honors a season ago. Fortin was selected to play team Team Canada this summer in Naples, Italy. Laval was victorious against NCAA foes South Carolina State and Florida A&M last summer.

USF's toughest task north of the border comes Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. against Carleton from Place Bell Arena in Montreal. Carleton owns a 44-31 all-time record against NCAA teams and defeated Vanderbilt twice and Alabama once in 2017. In addition, the Ravens have only lost one regular season game over the last three seasons and have won 14 national championships and 11 conference championships over the last 17 years.

Rest of article

[Brad]

While its way too early to expect communication on this, I assume Darek Sharp gets sent to the Great White North to cover the games forbBulls Unlimited.  Would be elated if we were able to get live video of these games, too, though.

[Guest Jonesy Bull]

Nice to get some preseason.  This team is already bonded.  This will only solidify that and get them some early real game experience.

[Brad]

I think there’s a lot Coach Gregory has.  This team should be positioned nicely, but I think he’s going to remain protective with the schedule.  Unlike football, the AAC schedule means a lot.  Qualifying with key AAC wins means a lot to this team.  And, because it’s hoops, people in Tampa may  show up if we have key AAC wins.  The AAC will present good games.  You don’t have to play Duke to wake the Bay.  They’re gonna be in or out based on AAC.    

[DELdaBull]

11 hours ago, Brad said:

I think there’s a lot Coach Gregory has.  This team should be positioned nicely, but I think he’s going to remain protective with the schedule.  Unlike football, the AAC schedule means a lot.  Qualifying with key AAC wins means a lot to this team.  And, because it’s hoops, people in Tampa may  show up if we have key AAC wins.  The AAC will present good games.  You don’t have to play Duke to wake the Bay.  They’re gonna be in or out based on AAC.    

Definitely saw the uptick in attendance as we started piling up the wins. 

[&rew Bull]

It was the highest average attendance since the Big East days based on a cursory look at our attendance stats.

Our average attendance OOC was around 3000 and in conference was just shy of 4500. The names on the OOC schedule will play the biggest role in raising attendance early. If the team plays up to expectations, it should be easy to pull more people out when we get to conference play.

Some schools have announced their OOC schedules already. Our announcement should be just around the corner.

[flsportsfan83]

3 hours ago, &rew Bull said:

It was the highest average attendance since the Big East days based on a cursory look at our attendance stats.

Our average attendance OOC was around 3000 and in conference was just shy of 4500. The names on the OOC schedule will play the biggest role in raising attendance early. If the team plays up to expectations, it should be easy to pull more people out when we get to conference play.

Some schools have announced their OOC schedules already. Our announcement should be just around the corner.

I am awaiting the schedule. Hope we get a few P5 schools on the schedule with 1 or 2 at home. 

[NewEnglandBull]

Wish some these games were on line to watch 

[Guest Jonesy Bull]

17 hours ago, Brad said:

I think there’s a lot Coach Gregory has.  This team should be positioned nicely, but I think he’s going to remain protective with the schedule.  Unlike football, the AAC schedule means a lot.  Qualifying with key AAC wins means a lot to this team.  And, because it’s hoops, people in Tampa may  show up if we have key AAC wins.  The AAC will present good games.  You don’t have to play Duke to wake the Bay.  They’re gonna be in or out based on AAC.    

Since there is no NBA team here, if USF gets good, then the casual Basketball fans in the area should jump on board......It was like that during the Lee Rose / Bobby Paschal days, so it can be done!  Of course there weren't as many option in general in Tampa back then like there is today.

[CousinRicky]

2 hours ago, NewEnglandBull said:

Wish some these games were on line to watch 

Time for you to move to Tampa.  Tired of your poor excuse of living too far away.