Bulls extend win streak in Italy

[Velcro]

Subject:   Bulls' MBB Extends Win Streak In Italy, 115-51 Over Giants Marghera

Date:   Fri 08/18/06 02:39 PM

 

MARGHERA, Italy (August 18, 2006) – The University of South Florida men’s basketball team had three players collect double-doubles as the squad remained undefeated on its European tour with a convincing 115-51 victory Friday night over Giants Marghera.

The Bulls are now 3-0 on their five-game trip, with the next action coming Sunday night against Seria B competition Vern Sisterni Basket Forli.

“I told the team to treat the first three games as exhibitions,” head coach Robert McCullum said.  Ã¢â‚¬Å“The final two games we will approach like the regular season.  The competition will improve significantly.”

Seniors Melvyn Richardson (30 points, 12 rebounds) and McHugh Mattis (26 points, 19 rebounds) and sophomore Aris Williams (18 points, 18 rebounds) all finished with double-doubles in the contest.  Senior Melvin Buckley chipped in 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Marghera had no answer for the USF post players as the Bulls were able to jump ahead 11-0 and 17-1 in the first quarter, ending the contest nearly as it began.  USF scored 115 points as a team, which included only four treys and a 9-of-25 effort from the free throw line.

Richardson chipped in 16 points and five rebounds before the intermission and when the second quarter concluded Williams was already in possession of his double-double (10 points, 10 caroms).

Owning an 80-39 advantage after three quarters, it became clear USF would hit the century mark.  Richardson marked the occasion with an emphatic one-handed dunk on a nice assist from Buckley.

Senior Chris Capko added four points, nine assists and three rebounds and classmate Eddie Lovett finished with seven points and four assists.

“I think the guys have played better each game,” McCullum said.  Ã¢â‚¬Å“We were able to string together possessions at both ends to begin the game and that always helps.

“We are gaining experience and confidence and that is the reason we are on this trip,” McCullum added.

TOUR UPDATE:  The travel party made the four-hour journey from Florence to Venice Friday morning, arriving just after noon … the afternoon included a water taxi ride to the city and a tour of a glass factory …. the team had just over an hour at the hotel before leaving for the game … guard Chris Howard was “welcomed” to Venice by on of the many pigeons at San Marco Square … Eric Soncrant, Director of the Annual Fund, served as team announcer Friday night … he also ran the shot clock in the tour opener … the team returns to action Sunday night.

[MikeG]

Didn't the guys from Stripes end up in Italy?

I love that movie.

[USFan]

The concern: 9 of 25 from the free throw line.

Everything else sounds promising.

[bulls96go]

we scored 100 that is good

we are winning that is good

this team will be better this year, that is good

go mac!

[puc86]

If only we played in an Italian high school league instead of the Big East, then we would be awesome :'(

[The Sheriff]

This must be a Seth coached team with a free throw percentage like that. Did RMC take the day off and Seth flew over to coach. We need to get RMC back at the helm and sign him to a long term contract.

[flsportsfan83]

we scored 100 that is good

we are winning that is good

this team will be better this year, that is good

go mac!

are you serious?

[flsportsfan83]

we could prob make a bullspen team that could beat the teams usf is playing right now.

[The Sheriff]

I'd volunteer my services... so would Wages, Bulliever, Minceberg, Sherwin, and Greer. It'd be tough... maybe we could get our point guard to be Reggie Kohn (he visited every so often until he got the coaching gig). I think we'd be all right if we played five minute quarters!

[Mag Pie]

When was the last time we scored over a 100 pts?  I don't care if we're playing high schools, they're winning and its building their confidence.  All the players need top step it up because once school starts they'll be playing BE teams again and we all know that's no cake-walk.