The USF Bulls have a three game losing streak after losing to 5-4 Appalachian State, 84-61 on Saturday, and falling to Elon, 78-79, on Thursday.
Outside of the first few minutes against Appalachian State, the Bulls never led. With just over four minutes remaining in the first half, the Mountaineers built up a double-digit lead that they would hold into halftime, leading 44-33.
Appalachian State built on their lead in the second half, never leading by less than 11, before leading by 23 in the final 84-61 score.
Despite the loss, USF had strong scoring performances. Guard, Stephan Jiggetts, scored 17. Forward, Isaiah Manderson, and wing, Payton Banks, scored 14 apiece. One other Bull, forward Malik Martin, finished with nine points and 11 rebounds, a point shy of a double-double.
Appalachian State won by outscoring the Bulls off of rebounds, 26-9, and knocking down a higher percentage of shots, 52-44%. The Mountaineers were led by guard, Ronshad Shabazz, who scored 21 points. Fellow guard, Justin Forrest, scored 19, 17 of which came in the first half. Forward, Tyrell Johnson, came on strong in the second half, scoring 11 of his 13 total points in that period.
The Mountaineers will visit Western Carolina on Monday. USF will begin a five game home stand, Monday with FIU, that will conclude with the beginning of conference play against Houston. The Bulls will face at least two ranked teams, #8 Wichita State and #11 Cincinnati, during the conference portion of the schedule. USF’s game against FIU, which tips off at 7:00 PM EST, can be viewed on ESPN3.
