It’s been quite some time since the USF basketball team was relevant. The year was 1992 to be exact. Zoobas were still in style, the Yankees sucked, and Kurt Cobain was still warmer then room temperature. All was right with the world. That was, also, the last time USF was in the NCAA Basketball Tournament,
USF took on Temple in their first “real” tournament game, and it started off as a mockery. USF drilled it’s first two shots, and looked to be continuing their hot shooting ways from the Cal game. Then, bedlam ensued. They missed 22 consecutive shots and didn’t hit a bucket for 18 minutes. It was a pathetic offensive display. But just like a great starting pitcher, defense travels. Offenses can go through slumps, but defenses typically don’t. Some how, some way that Bulls made it a 19-15 game at the half. Shaun Noriega was summoned off the bench and hit a huge 3 pointer just before halftime that started the shift in momentum.
USF came out in the 2nd half making shots, and built a double digit lead. Things got a little hairy late in the game as Temple pulled to within 4, but a lucky 3 of the glass by Victor Rudd stemmed the tide, and the Bulls were able to seal the gamr by knocking down free throws late.
Don’t look now, but the 12 seed USF Bulls are slated to take on the 13 seed Ohio Bobcats Sunday in Nashville. Who in their wildest dreams, early in the season, would have ever thought this team would be in a position to go to the Sweet 16.
