USF MBB Travels To St. John's Wednesday Night

[Brad]

Courtesy USF SID

USF MBB Travels To St. John's Wednesday Night

The University of South Florida men’s basketball team continues BIG EAST Conference play with a two-game, five-day road swing, which begins Wednesday night at St. John’s at 7:30 p.m.  The Bulls will be making their first-ever trip to Queens in search of the program’s debut conference road victory.  The matchup with the Red Storm is available on television as part of the league’s television package and will be carried in the greater Tampa area on Catch 47.  Rob Simmelkjaer (play-by-play) and Ron  Perry (analyst) will have the call.  The USF travel party will head directly to Louisville on Thursday for the Feb. 10 matchup with the Cardinals before returning home on Sunday afternoon.  St. John’s claimed the last meeting between the two programs, a 68-48 decision at the Sun Dome on January 14, 2006.

USF Players Reverse Offensive Roles In Win

USF’s victory over nationally ranked Notre Dame was the result of several factors, most notably the efforts of senior forward McHugh Mattis.

While Mattis’ sixth double-double (23 points, 16 rebounds) of the season earned much-deserved recognition, a balanced scoring attack was his silent partner in the upset.

Melvin Buckley was the only other Bull in double figures (11 points), marking the first time since Jan. 10 versus Louisville that at least three USF players failed to score 10-or-more points.

Six of the nine players to appear against Notre Dame netted at least seven points, including 15 total from the bench.  USF’s reserves collected their best effort since contributing 21 points in the non-conference finale versus Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 31.

Career Night By Mattis Leads To League Honors  

Senior forward McHugh Mattis was named the BIG EAST Conference Player of the Week following his career night in the win over Notre Dame.

Mattis is the second-ever Bull to claim the honor.  Classmate Melvin Buckley was tabbed to the accolade on Nov. 20 this season, the first honoree of the campaign.

The 6-6, 190-pounder enjoyed a career night in the 69-63 upset victory over No. 21 Notre Dame Saturday night at the Sun Dome.  His 23-point, 16-rebound performance produced his sixth double-double of the season and the 13th of his career.  Mattis' point total matched a personal best and his rebound total was a career high.

In 36 minutes of action, the North Lauderdale, Fla., native was 10-of-19 from the field and also chipped in an assist, one block and a steal.  Half of his 16 caroms came at the offensive end, which led to several key baskets down the stretch in the second half.

[bulls96go]

good luck

wining both would be nice ;D