BasketBULLS Claim 2nd Win on European Tour

[E.T.]

From the Office of the SID

Bulls Claim Second Win On European Tour, 90-53 Over Firenze Select

FLORENCE, Italy (August 17, 2006) - The University of South Florida

men's basketball team remained undefeated on its European tour in Italy

following a 90-53 over Firenze Select Thursday night in Florence.

Senior forward Melvin Buckley led all scorers with 29 points, which

included five treys, and also chipped in seven rebounds and three

assists.  Classmate McHugh Mattis collected his second-straight

double-double, finishing with 21 points and 10 boards.  He also swatted

five shot attempts.

Mattis scored 33 points and corralled 16 caroms in the first game

earlier in the week.

"It's been good to finally get out on the court after practicing for two

weeks, but the courts have been tough to play on," Chris Capko said.

"The players here are more skilled than those in the United States, but

not as athletic."

Firenze came out on fire from the field in the first quarter and USF was

able to manage just a 19-16 advantage after the first 10 minutes.  As

was the case in the opener, USF built a significant lead in the second

frame.  Sophomore forward Aris Williams chipped in eight points

(finished with 10 points and nine rebounds) in the quarter off the bench

to key the run.

USF outscored Firenze 28-12 in the third quarter to put the game away.

Senior forward Melvyn Richardson netted 18 points and grabbed eight

rebounds.  Guard Chris Capko finished with five points and also

contributed eight assists and four rebounds.  Senior Eddie Lovett got

the starting nod and responded with seven points, six rebounds and three

assists.

"We have been pretty busy with all of the sight seeing and travel,"

Capko said.  "It was good to finally play again, because that is why we

are here."

The Bulls opened the tour with an 86-54 win over Pallacanestro Cadorago

Monday afternoon in Rome.

TOUR UPDATE:  The team spent its final day (Tuesday) in Rome at the

beach and touring the ancient ruins ... stops included the Roman Forum,

Pantheon and Palestine Hill ... Wednesday morning the group departed for

Florence and enjoyed a walking tour of the city in the afternoon ... the

tour was highlighted by a stop at the Accademia Gallery, which houses

Michelangelo's famous statue of David ... Thursday morning brought with

it a trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa ... a majority of the travel

party made the 293-step journey to the top of the tower ... the team

will depart early Friday morning for Venice and returns to action later

that night against Giants Marghera.

[Velcro]

Excellent.  They learned how to play with only 6 players last year

This is good experience that is desperately needed.  Glad to see Richardson holding his own and Buckley taking charge.

[Joe]

Is anyone familier with these Italian basketball teams? I was just wondering what level they were

[Velcro]

Firenze Select is a Pro All-Star team..., but it is a regional team, just players from Florence area.

It probably isn't too much different than a city team here.

[pdiddybull32]

the first team we played I believe was a 17 to 18 yr old all star team

[Rabbi Bull]

good to see capko and eddie scoring more points

[bullman3]

This trip is really pumping me up for the season.  Sounds like we will have an awesome year after going on this team building/bonding, extra practice trip.  We are really lucky to have been able to go on this trip and get the guys extra practice and playing time.   I am sure we will do fantastic in year 2 of the Big East under the helm of CRM.

[Triple B]

This trip is really pumping me up for the season.  Sounds like we will have an awesome year after going on this team building/bonding, extra practice trip.  We are really lucky to have been able to go on this trip and get the guys extra practice and playing time.   I am sure we will do fantastic in year 2 of the Big East under the helm of CRM.

Oh, I think "have an awesome year" and "do fantastic" may be a tad over optimistic but your other points were dead solid perfect...... and now don't get TOO pumped up for the season. It's a long time until it begins and we would HATE to see an awesome, fantastic fan like you peak too soon.

[The Sheriff]

I think we started with their junior high squad the first game, and then moved up the other day to their top high school team. But we're winning and that's a major plus from last season.

FWIW... back in 1995, my submarine challenged a local team in Florence in both basketball and soccer. We lost in soccer, but we cruised in hoops. This was even before I was dominating Bulliever in one-on-one competition. I don't know what this trip means except great memories of the sights in Italy and some extra practices. We should name the tour...

I got some suggestions, but will keep them to myself until Bulliever lifts his anti-smack ban on the current hoops situation. I just hope we're better this year... I love wearing my USF jersey to Scottsdale bars and screaming my allegiance to the Bulls while these stuck up chicks wonder what the hell I'm all thugged out for in their presence.

[Brad]

....This was even before I was dominating Bulliever in one-on-one competition....

This alone tells me you are hallucinating... but maybe not about the stuck up chicks.