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GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

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What: Florida Atlantic (3-3) vs South Florida (4-2)

When: Saturday, Nov. 26th @ 7:00 PM EST

Where: Bob Martinez Athletic Center

TV: None

Live Video: None

Internet Broadcast: Here

Live Stats: None

USF Team Site: Here


Probable Starters:

FAU

G Ray Taylor 7.0 ppg, 4.5 apg
G Greg Gantt 14.7 ppg, 40.5% 3PT
G Pablo Bertone 9.8 ppg, 53.5% FG
F Kelvin Penn 2.8 ppg, 2.3 bpg
F Kore White 11.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg


USF

G LaVonte Dority 4.2 ppg
G Shaun Noriega 6.0 ppg
F Ron Anderson 9.8 ppg
F Victor Rudd 13.2 ppg
F Toarlyn Fitzpatrick 7.4 ppg


The series

12/03/93 A L 69-89
01/21/95 A L 70-84
12/16/95 A L 55-56
12/04/96 A L 68-76
11/22/97 H L 61-81
12/05/98 A L 50-86
12/13/99 H L 80-109
11/23/03 A L 66-79
12/15/05 A L 44-62
11/17/07 A L 69-100
11/27/09 A L 58-78
12/04/10 H W 50-42

The all-time series (1-11) has not been kind the Owls, but last year was a different story as Florida Atlantic rolled past a flat shotted USF squad 50-42 before 1,593 at FAU Arena. The Bulls weren't able to place anyone in double figures and the starting five netted just 14 points collectively. Owls' point guard Alex Tucker paved the way to the win behind a career high 19 points, while adding 5 rebounds.


FAU at a Glance

The Owls are coming off a thrilling 62-60 win against Hofstra on Tuesday night in Hempstead, NY. Junior point guard Alex Tucker lofted up the winning basket with just 2.3 seconds left despite a solid defensive effort from the Pride.

Kore White notched the second double-digit performance of his career on the boards - something Jarvis has said on multiple occasions should be a staple for the talented forward. White also dismissed five Pride shot attempts, two of them coming with the game on the line.

"He's stepping it up", said Head Coach Mike Jarvis. "There was a couple times when he came over two guys away to block."

Thanks to the game's eight combined swats, FAU has moved up a bit in the national rankings and is currently tied for 5th in total blocks.

From a distribution standpoint, the Owls have tallied more assists than the opponent in each of their six contests. Greg Gantt has benefited the most from this production, while leading FAU in scoring four times.

Despite back-to-back wins, and offense improvement shown since going 0-3 to start the season, Jarvis knows that even more effort will be needed to knock off the Bulls given match-ups.

"South Florida is huge. We're going to have to play much tougher, and much better", Jarvis said.


USF at a Glance

The motor of South Florida's offense is their front court, but defense is the feather in the cap, with the Bulls coming into Saturday 25th amongst all DI squads in points allowed per contest and 8th in possessions allowed. USF will spread it around, with a fairly equal amount of shot attempts coming across the starting five.

They have been banged up a bit this year, but most recently saw leading scorer and low post presence Augustus Gilchrist re-injure his shoulder in a 53-49 loss to Penn State. Gilchrist, a 2011-12 preseason All-Big East Honorable Mention, is listed as doubtful for Saturday.

"He's our primary go-to guy on the inside. Not having him really hurt us in rebounding and on the offensive end in terms of having somebody inside that can make some things happen", said USF Head Coach Stan Heath said after the loss.

His replacement in 6-8, 230 F Toarlyn Fitzpatrick does not offer bang-up numbers offensively, but is consistent off the glass. The majority of the scoring slack is currently being picked up by Ron Anderson. Anderson led all scorers with 17 points in the Bulls' 66-46 win over Georgia Southern last Wednesday.

While undefeated at "home" this year at 4-0, they are not technically playing there. With 35M worth of renovation efforts currently taking place at the Sun Dome to bring it up to par with other Big East venues, USF has split time between the Bob Martinez Sports Complex - where Saturday's tilt will be held - and the St. Pete Times Forum.

The Bulls were pegged to finish 14th out of the 16 Big East Teams in league's preseason poll selections.


Latest Line:

USF -5.5


Owl's Nest Prediction

Florida Atlantic has beaten the spread four times on the season, but it's going to be tough to achieve that this time around. Last year worked out to perfection with the Owls double teaming down low, and a poor shooting display from USF. However, for FAU to get the win Saturday, a strong offensive effort will be needed to counter heavy defensive pressure, and what will likely be a moderate rebounding deficit. The Owls will also need to avoid getting into foul trouble against USF's front line, while limiting easy baskets around the rim. Gilchrist's doubtful status is good news should it hold, and could help to keep things closer than they would be with him in the ball game. Regardless, the stats crunch reveals a win for South Florida without some unforeseen heroics appearing from Florida Atlantic.

USF -8
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Re: Game Preview: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

It would be easy to pick us for the upset here...but I think the bulls take it, to add to the negativity the football game should be a blowout prior to this getting started so I can make it home on time
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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

Starters:

FAU

G Ray Taylor
G Shavar Richardson
G Pablo Bertone
F Kelvin Penn
F Kore White


USF

G LaVonte Dority
G Shaun Noriega
F Ron Anderson
F Victor Rudd
F Toarlyn Fitzpatrick
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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

Of note:

Greg Gantt injured (ankle) in practice and is doubtful…Richardson getting the nod instead.

Not good for the Owls

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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

Owls out to an early lead in Tampa…

FAU 7  USF 3
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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

15:30

FAU 10  USF 9
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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

Waiting for ESPN760 to switch over…

wish this was on TV! (As always)
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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

Rick said

Of note:

Greg Gantt injured (ankle) in practice and is doubtful…Richardson getting the nod instead.

Not good for the Owls


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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

11:30

FAU 18  USF 14

Bulls shooting 5-of-10 out of the gate

Weathering the storm!
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Re: GAME THREAD: FAU @ South Florida - 11/26/11 @ 7:00PM

8:28

FAU 18  USF 20

Bulls are on FIRE from down town, and take the lead behind FIVE Threes
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