by Mario Baez, basketball guru and stand-up guy!

March Madness has come and already, there are upsets rolling in within each conference, making this month quite insane. The USF basketball team has come a long way to get to where they are at now, but struggled to fit into the Sweet Sixteen basketball tournament, losing to the Ohio Bobcats 62-56. The men were faced with quite a schedule and ended the year with a 21-14 record.

This game was very tight throughout with the Bulls always having a slight advantage till the last few minutes of the game. Anthony Collins had 13 points and Victor Rudd’s 10 rebounds still were not enough to pass through the Bobcats and grab the win. On the opposite team, D.J. Cooper and Walter Offutt had total combined 40 points to put up the biggest numbers of the night.

The last game versus Temple showed that the Bulls could strive and win a game being down in the first half. Having a combined 8 out of 14 from 3 point land, the Bulls rallied past Temple to get the double digit win over the Owls. Victor Rudd and Anthony Collins both scored 17 points on the night.

To enter the tournament, the Bulls pulled off a win over the Golden Bears to arrive at their destination. In the first half, the Bulls led by 36-13 showing how skilled the team plays together. With good defense and offense throughout the rest of the game, the Bulls were able to pull off their first NCAA Tournament win.

Other Florida teams:

Florida State lost a big game to the Cincinnati Bearcats, giving the Bearcats the benefit to go to the Sweet Sixteen. The final score was 62-56. Sean Kilpatrick was the highest scoring player that day with 18 points. Florida State ended their year with a 25-10 record.

University of Florida is the only Florida team still in the running. Their last game versus Norfolk State displayed how superior their team can be with a whopping 84-50 win over the Spartans; this win ensured them into the final 16. Making it as the only Florida team, the Gators carry a load on their shoulders to bring back home the trophy to Florida, which has been done before. Having an all-around great team, ball players, and Coach Billy Donovan, Florida should be a great contender in the final rounds of the tourney. Next game will be against the Marquette Golden Eagles, Thursday, March 22. The Gators current record is 25-10.