USF has done a tremendous job in the 2nd half, as they have worked a 16 point deficit down to 4 with 3:53 left in the First Round of the Big East Tournament. Shaun Noriega still leads the Bulls in scoring with 22 points, while Jawanza Poland and Augustus Gilchrist have each chipped in 11 points.
The Bulls have been able to keep in the game with a little thanks to Villanova’s lack of depth down low. Maurice Sutton is up to 4 fouls, while Isiaiah Armwood, Antonio Pena, and Corey Fisher all have 3 fouls. Mouphtaou Yarou also took a hard fall at the end of the first half and hasn’t returned since.
Villanova is being willed by Corey Fisher and Maalik Wayns, and Corey Stokes, who have 49 of Villanova’s 61 total points. Should be another close game here at Madison Square Garden after Rutgers defeated Seton Hall in overtime earlier today. Let’s hope USF pulls off the minor miracle.