MORE TROUBLE FOR USF HOOPS

January 25, 2009


USF lose on the court to Villanova an off the court with arrest of two guards



It wasn't the finest moments for the South Florida basketball program, but the Bulls did fight hard until coming up short in the last 90 seconds against Villanova. in a Big East conference match-up on Saturday afternoon in the Sun Dome.

The day just started off bad for Stan Heath's program as Two USF Guards Were Arrested on Marijuana Charges (Tampa Tribune) just before midnight Friday. Although neither Anthony Crater (recent transfer) nor Mike Mercer (knee injury) were available to play, it was another distraction to USF, who just learned senior center BJ Ajayi was lost for the season.

Still, with all that, and star guard Dominique Jones fouling out with five minutes left, USF trailed just 60-58 in the final minutes before a 10-3 run by the Wildcats iced the game and the Short-handed USF Loses to No. 20 Villanova, 70-61.

Dante Cunningham had 14 points to lead the Wildcats. Reggie Redding added 11 and Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes each scored 10.

Augustus Gilchrist had 18 for USF with Chris Howard scoring 15, Jesus Verdejo adding 13 and Jones scored 11 before fouling out.

The arrest was the second for Mercer this season, putting his future with the Bulls in serious jeopardy, according to coach Heath. Crater and Mercer are both suspended indefinitely.