Halftime: USF 34, Notre Dame 34

Posted Feb 7, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Feb 7, 2010 at 01:07 PM

I’m pretty sure that’s not the way USF coach Stan Heath drew up the first half, but considering the Bulls fell behind by 15, I’m guessing he’ll take a 34-34 tie on the road at Notre Dame.

The Bulls fell behind 16-2 and 25-10, but closed the half on a 24-9 run to force a tie at the half. USF sharpshooter Dominique Jones, averaging 35 points during USF’s four-game winning streak, hit just 2 of 9 shots and scored 7 points in the first half.

However, Jones got ample support from junior C/F Jarrid Famous, who scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in the first half, and guard Chris Howard, who added nine points for the Bulls.

Notre Dame’s Ben Hansbrough was a thorn in the Bulls’ side, scoring a team-high 13 points in the first 20 minutes.

The Bulls’ only lead came with 1:11 left before halftime on Toarlyn Fitzpatrick’s lay-up on an assist Jones.

USF looked very sluggish at the start, but the Bulls turned the game around on defense.

Anthony Crater, making his first start of the season at point guard, looked real sharp defensively in the first half.

Check back later for final recap.