If it was a test, they did not pass.  The USF Bulls lost to Morgan State, 63-53, a game that looked like it should have been an easy win for the Bulls.  Morgan State came into the game, 0-1, having been handed a humiliating 76-59 loss at the hands of Binghampton University (it’s a real place).  And, if the loss doesn’t sting enough, the Bears were missing their top player, Tiwian Kenndley. 

Morgan State got up to a 3-2 lead with 18:11 left in the first half when scoreboard failure interrupted the game.  Officials had stopped the game three times prior to adjust the possession clocks before the entire system failed.  After several minutes, the system was restarted, but the officials allowed each team to warm up for about ten minutes.  All total, about 20 minutes had passed before play resumed.

The Bears led most of the first five minutes of the game before trading the lead with USF.  The Bulls would lead by as many as five points with 9:22 left in the first half.  A foul by Payton Banks would give Khalil Gracey an opportunity to take the lead at the line, which he did, 23-22.  The Bulls would take the lead on the next shot, a dunk by Tulio Da Silva.  Lapri McCray-Price knocked down a three pointer eight seconds later, giving the Bears a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the period.  At halftime, Morgan State led, 32-26.

The second half was all Morgan State.  USF got within one point a couple of minutes into the half, with a three pointer by Terrence Samuel and a jump shot by Tulio Da Silva, but the Bears would go on a 12-0 run to go up 45-31 with 14:21 remaining in the game. 

USF would make a comeback late in the game.  A pair of free throws by Payton Banks and layup plus one got them within six with 3:08 to go.  In the final three minutes of the game, the Bulls would only score four more points, while Morgan State built on their lead.

Three Bears scored in double digits in their win.  McCray-Price led the team with 15 points, followed by forward, Phillip Carr, guard, Martez Cameron with ten apiece.  Morgan State led for 31:31, compared to just 6:43 for the Bulls.

USF had two players score in double digits in the loss.  Terrence Samuel’s 13 points led the team.  Da Silva had 11 points.  USF lost Nikola Scekic for a technical foul, the details of which are still unknown. 

The Bulls have to rebound quickly.  Their next game is on Wednesday and at Stetson.  The game can be viewed on ESPN3.  

blog comments powered by Disqus