By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
PHILADELPHIA - The short-handed Bulls continued to struggle on offense in a 68-40 loss at Villanova on Saturday afternoon.
Leading scorer and rebounder Victor Rudd did not play because of a groin injury while the Bulls couldn't heat up at The Pavilion. Freshman JaVontae Hawkins was the lone Bull in double figures with 13 points as USF went 11-for-47 from the field.
The starting lineup for USF (10-13, 1-10) included senior Jawanza Poland, who totaled eight points and four rebounds in the team's sixth straight loss. Freshman forward Zach LeDay scored seven points while USF posted only three assists in the programs' second meeting of the season. Villanova won the first meeting, 61-53, Jan. 9 at the Sun Dome.
Darrun Hilliard scored 17 points and JayVaughn Pinkston added 10 more for Villanova (15-9, 6-5). Mouphtaou Yarou grabbed 10 rebounds to help the Wildcats finish with a 39-28 edge on the boards.
USF will look to regroup during a two-game homestand next week. The Bulls host Providence 9 p.m. Wednesday in a game that will be televised on ESPNU. ESPN will air the USF-Louisville meeting at the Sun Dome on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.
