South Florida looks to stay in the top half of the Big East standings with the Big East tournament looming in a few weeks by defeating the Villanova Wildcats tonight at Tampa Bay Times Forum.
The Bulls have won two in a row after their 30-point loss to Georgetown and currently stand fifth in the Big East in between the Hoyas and Louisville. Both the Bulls and Wildcats met up on Jan. 5 this year with the Bulls winning 74-57. Guard Jawanza Poland came off the bench and led the Bulls with 20 points. Forward Victor Rudd grabbed 10 rebounds in that game.
Much of what South Florida needs to do is to take care of the ball and not take Villanova lightly. While they may be having a down year by their standards, this is the kind of game where the Wildcats could steal one away if the Bulls don't show up ready.
Forward Augustus Gilchrist has to be ready to play on both ends of the court tonight and take any challenge the Wildcats have for them.