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Bulls Running On Empty In Loss

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

USF's Dominique Jones is chased down by West Virginia's Cam Thoroughman as he brings the ball down the court.

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 1, 2009

Updated: 03/01/2009 11:11 pm

TAMPA - No one ever said competing in the Big East Conference was going to be easy for the University of South Florida basketball team. Trying to get through the league without three starters, though, has basically turned into a suicide mission.

The latest reminder was Sunday's 64-50 loss to West Virginia. The Bulls hung close for a half, but ultimately were running on fumes at the end.

Since upsetting No. 8 Marquette Feb. 6, the Bulls (8-20, 3-13) have lost their past six games - all by double figures.

"Guys are maybe wearing down," USF junior Chris Howard said. "But at the same time, we are starting two freshmen and those guys are just now learning what it takes to get over that hump and finish it."

Lately that hump has grown into a mountain.

Already desperately short on depth, senior guard Jesus Verdejo, USF's leading 3-point shooter and second-leading scorer, did not play Sunday because of a right foot injury and may be lost for the season.

USF also lost starting point guard Mike Mercer in December and forward B.J. Ajayi in January to knee injuries.

"You give USF coach Stan Heath those guys and they're really hard to guard because of Dominique Jones," West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. "Jones can get other guys pretty good looks and those guys are pretty capable of making those shots."

Making shots is not something the Bulls have been very successful at this season.

USF shot 40 percent from the field Sunday, including 36.4 percent in the second half. For the season, USF is shooting 39.3 percent from the field and 59.2 percent from the free throw line. Both percentages rank as the second worst in each category in the program's 38-year history.

Jones led the Bulls with 18 points and senior Aris Williams added 11. Howard had 10 points and a career-high tying 11 assists. Alex Ruoff (16 points) paced four Mountaineers (20-9, 9-7) in double figures.

"We're short-handed," said Heath, 20-39 at USF. "We've got guys that are playing a lot out there.

"We're looking at potentially three starters that aren't playing for us right now. Everyone is hurt and banged up, but that's three a huge number. If available it doesn't mean all of sudden we would challenge for the league championship, but it certainly makes a difference how fresh these guys are at the end of the game."

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

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