FINAL: N.C. State 58, USF 57

Posted Mar 16, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Mar 16, 2010 at 09:28 PM

TAMPA—USF had a chance to win in the end, but Augustus Gilchrist’s shot was blocked at the buzzer, giving N.C. State a 58-57 win Tuesday night in the first round of the NIT.

The loss ended USF’s season at 20-13, a disappointing final chapter in the Bulls’ breakthrough season.

In its first postseason game in eight years, USF led 26-22 at halftime behind 14 points from All-Big East junior guard Dominique Jones.

However, in the final seconds, Jones opted to pass the ball, which led to the sequence that ended USF’s season when Richard Howell blocked Gilchrist’s shot.

Jones finished with a team-high 24 points in what could be his final game in a USF uniform. He is contemplating entering the NBA draft.

Jarrid Famous was the only other USF player to score in double-figures, finishing with 10 points.

Check back later with a more detailed game story.