TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Jones Leads Bulls Past Bearcats

ADVERTISEMENT

By BRETT McMURPHY

bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: March 3, 2009

TAMPA - They almost waited until it was too late, but the University of South Florida finally got that elusive fourth Big East victory.

Dominique Jones' 30 points paced the Bulls, who pulled away for a 70-59 victory against Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

In their previous three Big East seasons, the Bulls (9-20, 4-13 Big East) had never won more than three league games. Back on Feb. 6, they got a third Big East win, but had lost six consecutive games.

"It gives us a lot of confidence, it's a momentum-builder," Jones said. "We started at the bottom and we're moving our way up. I think this is a step as in to making history."

USF coach Stan Heath said the victory was special because it came on senior night. It was the final home game for seniors Aris Williams, Jesus Verdejo and B.J. Ajayi, although Williams was the only senior able to play.

"Our team wanted to do something good for them, and they were very encouraging," Heath said. "And at the same time we wanted to do something for ourselves and get a win. We also wanted to do something for our fans. We wanted to finish the year with a win."

With 8:14 remaining, Cincinnati led 50-46 when USF freshman Justin Leemow hit a 3-pointer to start a game-clinching 17-2 run. Leemow also hit consecutive 3-pointers earlier in the half.

"I think it was a sigh of relief for all of us," Heath said. "Those were really some big shots."

In his last 16 games, Leemow had made only three of 25 3-pointers. He was 3-for-8 against UC (18-12, 8-9).

Gus Gilchrist added 13 points, Alex Rivas 10 points and Chris Howard six points, 10 assists and no turnovers in 40 minutes. Leemow finished with a career-high tying nine points.

The Bulls shot 59.1 percent in the second half and finished at 46.9 percent, their best shooting night in 13 games.

"It was good to see it all come together," Heath said.

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT