GAME NOTES: A set of Big East foes trying to break their losing streaks collide at Allstate Arena today, as the South Florida Bulls do battle with the DePaul Blue Demons. Since defeating Rutgers (68-45) in their Big East opener on January 2nd, the Bulls have yet to find their way back into the win column, dropping each of their past nine outings. The team was last in play on Tuesday, when it was defeated by nationally-ranked Georgetown 63-53. Now at just 10-13 overall, USF will continue its play on the road, where it has gone 0-5 against conference foes. As for DePaul, it jumped out to a solid 4-2 start in conference play, but that fast beginning has evaporated behind a four-game losing streak. On Tuesday, the Blue Demons wrapped up short two-game road swing with a 79-65 setback at Providence. With the loss, the team fell to 9-13 overall. Today's game represents the 19th all-time meeting between DePaul and USF, with the Blue Demons holding a 14-4 advantage in the head-to-head series.

The Bulls were dominated on the boards, 42-27, including 18-6 on the offensive glass, as they were defeated at Georgetown earlier in the week. USF shot a respectable 42.0 percent from the floor, but it made just three long-range field goals compared to eight three-pointers by Georgetown. Dominique Jones guided the team in defeat with 15 points, while Kentrell Gransberry logged 13 points and nine rebounds. For the season, Gransberry is one of the few players around that is averaging a double-double, as he is scoring 16.5 ppg and pulling down a conference-best 10.7 rpg. Jones has formed a solid tandem with Gransberry and he produces 15.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg, to go with a team-high 38 steals. Overall, USF in netting 70.0 ppg this season, although that number has dropped to 62.2 ppg in league play.

The Demons shot a lackluster 38.3 percent from the field and they went just 5- of-19 from long distance in a setback at Providence on Tuesday. The team also lost the battle on the boards, 34-27. Draelon Burns paced DePaul with 17 points and four assists, while Will Walker had 13 points. For the season, Burns tops the roster in scoring at 17.5 ppg and he is also the team's best defender, with 40 steals to his credit. Dar Tucker adds 12.9 ppg and 5.0 rpg coming off the bench, while Mac Koshwal turns in 11.4 ppg and a team-high 7.9 rpg. As a whole, DePaul is averaging a solid 73.0 ppg, but it is giving up a slightly better 75.0 ppg to opposing teams.

DePaul has been the more successful team since Big East play began and with Burns leading the way, it should be able to get back on track today.