#21ranked Villanova is coming off a road loss to #3 UConn and is headed to Tampa to take on the University of South Florida.
The Wildcats (14-4, 2-3) will face a Bulls (7-11, 2-4) squad that features Dominique Jones, a 6'4" Sophomore shooting guard who is averaging 18.8 points a game. He is also their leading rebounder at just under 5 boards a game (which should note a front court weakness). One of USF's needs is a consistent second threat to score if Jones is shut down or having an off night.
A little more on Jones is that he is USF's workhorse; he has played 159 of the last 160 minutes, missing only 14 seconds in their game with DePaul and the final 46 seconds of their January 10th game at DePaul. He played the full 40 minutes at Pitt and at West Virginia. He leads the BIG EAST in minutes played at 37.0 a game.
Coach Stan Heath usually starts guards Chris Howard, Dominique Jones, and Jesus Verdejo. Forwards Eladio Espinosa and Mobolaji Ajayi anchor the front court.
Quick Notes
- Villanova leads the historical series 2-0. 'Nova won the last game in Tampa 3 years ago and at home last year. The two teams did not play in 2007.
- Tipoff is set for 12noon (ET) at the Sun Dome in Tampa on USF's campus.
- For those in Philly, the game will be on WPHL. New York Metro area fans can catch the game on SNY.