TAMPA – USF will go for its fifth straight win in its series with Jacksonville Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Sun Dome.
The two programs will meet for the 47th time, the third-most played series for the Bulls behind UAB (58) and Charlotte (53). USF leads the all-time series, 25-21, with a 13-7 advantage in Tampa, including last year’s 79-65 win on Nov. 29.
USF (2-8) is looking to break a three-game losing skid and also is trying for win No. 600 in program history. The Bulls are 599-693 in 45 years of basketball.
Jacksonville (4-6) is coming off an 81-74 loss at South Carolina State on Saturday and will be looking for its second road win of the season.
Freshman Jahmal McMurray continues to lead the Bulls in scoring. The Topeka, Kan., native is averaging 12.3 points per game, which ranks 16th in the American Athletic Conference, the second-best among freshmen. He is coming off a game-high 13 points in USF’s latest game, a 65-46 loss to NC State. McMurray has scored in double-figures in eight of USF’s 10 games played.
Just as McMurray has led the USF backcourt, Jaleel Cousins has led the Bulls’ frontcourt with 9.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. The senior center is averaging 10.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over the last four games.
SCHEDULE STRENGTH - USF's strength of schedule is ranked No. 35 according to the NCAA. The Bulls have played three teams ranked in the top 50 RPI; No. 9 George Washington, No. 12 Kentucky and No. 26 South Carolina.
USF QUICK NOTES - Roddy Peters is out indefinitely after suffering a fractured left foot against NC State on Sunday. USF ranks second in the conference with 6.40 blocks per game. Over the last four games, USF has averaged 20.6 points in the first half and 38.8 points in the second half. Three of USF’s top five scorers are newcomers: Jahmal McMurray, 12.2, Roddy Peters, 9.8, Angel Nunez, 8.1.
JU QUICK NOTES - Jacksonville has won two of its last three games, including its lone road win, 86-82 at Jacksonville State. Darius Dawkins is shooting 51.3 percent (36-76) from 3-point range, which ranks third in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Kori Babineaux (17.3, 2nd), Marcel White (17.0, 4th) and Darius Dawkins (15.2, 9th) rank among the top 10 in the Atlantic Sun Conference in scoring.