South Florida vs Marquette NCAA 2013

BIG EAST CONFERENCE MATCUP 

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS VS MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES (-11)

This is the first of two meetings between these conference rivals this season. Tip off is set for 9PM EST in the BMO Harris Bradley Center and will be televised on ESPNU. South Florida (10-9) is looking to snap a two game losing streak while Marquette (14-4) is trying to stay perfect at home this season. 

I expect Marquette to cover this spread tonight with ease. They have really proven themselves the last couple weeks, knocking off Conneticut, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Seton Hall and Providence on route too a 5-1 record in their last 6. It should be mentioned that the opponents Marquette has faced in their last 6 games combine for a 83-34 record this season. While the only game they lost across this span against Cincinnati, took overtime. 

The Golden Eagles are averaging 70.5 points per game this season (103rd nationally). But the real matchup to follow will be the Bulls offense versus Marquette’s defense. South Florida has been struggling this year to put up points, they are 291st in the country and last in the Big East averaging only 61.7 points per game. While the Golden Eagles defense seems to get better each game; they are currently 98th in the country giving up only 62.9 points per game. With this being said, don’t expect the Bulls to even reach the 60 point plateau. In their last 5 meetings they haven’t cracked 60 against Marquette, averaging 53.6 points a game.

With South Florida showing a 0-3 record against ranked opponents this season, Marquette should have this one in the bag. I expect the Bulls to hang around in this game early on, but the Golden Eagles will eventually pull away. 

TRENDS 

SOUTH FLORIDA 

MARQUETTE 

• 31-16 against the spread versus conference opponents the last 3 seasons
• 18-7 against the spread in January games the last 3 seasons
• 16-5 against the spread versus good defensive teams allowing 64 points per game or less, after playing 15+ games in the last 3 seasons 
• 6-1 straight up against South Florida at home since 1997