GAME NOTES: Big East Conference action will ensue in Milwaukee this evening, as the 17th-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles play host to the South Florida Bulls. South Florida limps into this matchup with a six-game losing streak, as the squad's 1-6 league record clearly overshadows a 10-10 overall mark. The Bulls were most recently in action last Wednesday when they dropped an 80-60 decision to Louisville. They are just 2-5 in true road games this season and have little reason for confidence heading into this evening's clash. As for Marquette, it managed to halt a two-game skid on Saturday with a 79-71 decision over DePaul. The Golden Eagles are 14-4 overall, including a perfect 11-0 at home, and they are clearly expected to improve their 4-3 conference record tonight. Marquette owns a 13-2 series lead over South Florida, including a thrilling 70-68 victory over the Bulls last season.

Kentrell Gransberry has been the leading scorer in each of the last five games for South Florida, and he has been the team's top rebounder in 17 of 20 games played this season. He is averaging 17.1 ppg on 54 percent shooting from the floor while pulling down 10.8 rpg, and his scoring output would be even better if not for 52.2 percent shooting from the foul line. Dominique Jones checks in with 15.3 ppg, and Chris Howard is averaging 10.8 ppg to go along with 107 assists. The fourth and final double-digit scorer for the club is Jesus Verdejo with 10.0 ppg. USF trailed Louisville by 19 points at intermission on Wednesday and was unable to get back in the game. Gransberry posted 22 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Jones had 15 points. The Bulls connected on 38.9 percent of their field goal attempts and missed half of their 22 free throws.

Overall this season, Marquette is averaging 78.1 ppg while allowing only 63.9 ppg to the opposition. The Golden Eagles haven't been nearly as dominant in league games however, as they are outscoring foes by only 2.4 ppg. Dominic James continues to lead his team in scoring with 14.1 ppg, and he has dished out 74 assists. Backcourt mate Jerel McNeal is netting 13.5 ppg, and the reigning Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year has 41 steals to his credit. Lazar Hayward is posting 12.8 ppg and 6.2 rpg, and Wesley Matthews rounds out a foursome of double-digit scorers with 10.8 ppg. James tallied 19 points in the win over DePaul on Saturday, and McNeal posted 15 points. Hayward (14 points) and Matthews (10 points) were productive as well for the Golden Eagles.

Expect Marquette to remain unbeaten at home against the struggling Bulls of South Florida. Another balanced offensive effort is likely for the Golden Eagles.