TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2006) ? After hitting 12 of its first 13 field goals to start the game, the University of South Florida (3-0) men's basketball team downed Florida International (2-3) 79-50 Tuesday night in the Sun Dome.

The Golden Panthers were first to put numbers on the scoreboard, but would never lead again in the game due to the Bulls' 70.8 shooting percentage in the first half (17-24). USF took a 16-point lead at the intermission, by a score of 43-27.

USF senior forward McHugh Mattis was a perfect 7-of-7 from the field and hit 4-of-4 at the line to score 18 points in the first half, and finished the game with 22 points, hitting 9-of-11 from the field.

Along with Mattis, seniors Melvin Buckley and Melvyn Richardson each scored in double-digits in the first half with 10 apiece. Richardson was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and Buckley hit two of his four treys.

In the second half, USF dominated FIU, outscoring the Panthers 40-20 in the paint and 19-10 off of turnovers

Mattis recorded his ninth-career double-double, his second in as many games, with 14 rebounds (10 offensive) and 22 points added to his five blocks, three assists and three steals.

Buckley, the BIG EAST Player of the Week (Nov. 19), finished the game with 15 points while Richardson's 15 points were a career-high. Richardson was one rebound short of his first-career double-double.

Freshman guard Solomon Bozeman had a steady night with nine points, seven assists and six rebounds as senior guard Chris Capko dished five assists of his own.

Walk-ons Jared Rubens and Bobby Torres made their USF debuts in the non-conference match up.

The Bulls next play Stetson on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Sun Dome.