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USF Hopes Break Helps As Big East Play Resumes

Tribune file photo by JASON BEHNKEN

USF coach Stan Heath gave his team a couple of days off before facing Marquette tonight.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2009

Updated: 02/06/2009 01:24 am

TAMPA - With the University of South Florida beginning the second half of its Big East schedule tonight against No. 8-ranked Marquette, Coach Stan Heath decided his team needed a break.

So Monday and Tuesday, the Bulls didn't practice. They shot some free throws and lifted weights, but no practice.

"I wanted them to grab a couple of days - normally I don't do this - grab a couple of days to get away," Heath said. "So we can have some fresher legs, be stronger mentally and maybe put some things behind us and come back a more determined basketball team that can find a way to win."

The Bulls (7-14, 2-7 Big East) have lost three consecutive games and would be winless in Big East play if not for two wins against DePaul. Meanwhile, Marquette (20-2, 9-0) is the Big East's lone unbeaten team in conference play.

The Golden Eagles feature guards Jerel McNeal (19.7 points), Wesley Matthews (19.2 points) and Dominic James (11.5 points, 7.3 assists).

"That trio is the best in the country," Heath said. "They have the ability to dominate games on the offensive and defensive ends."

Despite virtually clinching USF's sixth consecutive losing season, Heath said the Bulls are still working hard.

"I think our guys are hanging in there tough," he said. "They're together. They want to win. I don't think anyone has thrown in the towel.

"I just think there's still a hunger inside the kids. They want to fight through adversity and turn the corner."

After playing games against five ranked opponents in the first half of their Big East schedule, the Bulls only have two games remaining against teams currently ranked - against No. 8 Marquette and No. 1 UConn on Feb. 21.

Heath is hoping the Bulls can gain some wins before making their first appearance in the Big East Tournament, scheduled for March 10-14.

"I think the back nine of our schedule may have a little bit more sympathy to it than maybe the first nine games we played," Heath said.

Tipoff is at 7 p.m. at the Sun Dome. The game will be televised on the Bright House Sports Network.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928

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