Box Score TAMPA, FEB. 15, 2017 – Despite a game-high 19 points from junior Geno Thorpe (Pittsburgh), the University of South Florida men's basketball team (7-18, 1-13 The American) was defeated 68-54 by No. 18 Cincinnati (23-3, 12-1) on Wednesday night.
Redshirt freshman forward Tulio Da Silva (Brazil) also grabbed 11 rebounds for USF.
The Bulls trailed early but a three from sophomore guard Troy Holston (Queens, N.Y.) evened up the score at five.
UC responded with a 7-0 surge to regain the advantage. Once again, USF pulled back within two, 16-14, on a Da Silva layup with 8:08 remaining.
The Bearcats then tallied nine straight points and held an eight point edge going into halftime. Holston led all Bulls with seven points at the break.
UC also began the second half on an 8-0 run to establish a double-digit lead, something they would not relinquish in the road victory.
Key Stat
- UC started a 10-0 run shortly before halftime. USF was held scoreless for 4:01 in the drought.
Quotables
Interim head coach Murry Bartow on facing No. 18 Cincinnati:
“They are pretty good…I thought we fought hard and competed hard…They made some nice adjustments, especially in the second half, and picked us a part a little bit.”
Coach Bartow on the positives he saw:
“We outrebounded them by three, boy that's encouraging. They are one of the best rebounding teams in the country, so that's pretty encouraging that we outrebounded them. I thought Geno fought hard and competed hard. Da Silva had 11 rebounds, which is good.”
Notables
- Thorpe recorded his 17th double-figure scoring game this season. He has led USF in scoring in 13 games this year.
- Da Silva notched his fourth double-figure rebound game.
- Thorpe was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. It was the 11th time this season Thorpe made every free throw he attempted in a game.
- On Wednesday, USF made six, three pointers, giving the team 30 this month. The Bulls are participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer Three Point Challenge throughout February. Learn more/donate HERE.
Up Next
The Bulls visit Tulane for a Saturday afternoon game. Tip time is set for 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT).
About USF Men's Basketball
The USF men's basketball team is led by interim head coach Murry Bartow. Coach Bartow has served as a collegiate basketball coach for 30 seasons and boasts eight postseason tournaments, including four NCAA Tournaments.
The Bulls feature freshman Tulio Da Silva, junior Ruben Guerrero, sophomore Troy Holston and junior Geno Thorpe.
USF has retired three numbers in its 46-year history: Chucky Atkins (12), Charlie Bradley (30) and Radenko Dobras (31). The Bulls have earned three NCAA tournament bids and appeared in the NIT eight times. In the 2011-12 season, USF was one win away from an appearance in the Sweet 16.
For tickets, contact the USF Ticket Office at 1-800-Go-Bulls or by going online to USFBullsTix.com.
– #GoBulls –
