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USF Loses To Niagara In Mercer, Gilchrist Debuts

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2008

The first game with University of South Florida newcomers Mike Mercer and Gus Gilchrist looked pretty much like the last game without the duo - a loss.

The Bulls lost to the Niagara Purple Eagles, 70-55, Sunday for their third straight loss.

Mercer, the transfer from Georgia, had 12 points (6-for-16 shooting), no assists, two rebounds, three steals and three turnovers in playing 39 minutes. Mercer took eight of USF's first 17 shots.

Gilchrist, the transfer from Maryland, had eight points (3-for-9), six rebounds, one steal, one assist and five turnovers.

Jesus Verdejo led USF with 20 points and Dominique Jones added eight points.

The Bulls (3-4) scored 60 or fewer points for the fourth time this season. Niagara (7-2) was led by G Tyrone Lewis' 23 points and C Benson Egemonye added 17 points.

Lewis had four long-range baskets midway through the first to put the Purple Eagles ahead by eight midway through the half, and Niagara led 32-29 at the break. Verdejo hit a 3-pointer midway through the second to pull the Bulls within 57-49, but Niagara scored 10 straight to put the game away.

Niagara came into the contest ranked 10th in the NCAA averaging 10.6 steals per game, and had 11 on Sunday.

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