Just three days after pulling off probably their biggest non-conference victory in program history the Rutgers Scarlet Knights begin Big East Conference play Sunday, as they visit the University of South Florida at the St. Pete Times Forum (noon on SNY). The Scarlet Knights (8-5) are trying to extend their current five-game winning streak, which included Thursday's double-overtime victory, 85-83, over No. 10-ranked the University of Florida at the Louis Brown Athletic Center.
In the victory, which was Rutgers second over a top 10 program in two seasons, freshman guard Eli Carter netted a collegiate-best 31 points to pace all scorers. Currently, Carter is the Scarlet Knights' leading scorer (14.3 points per game), while another freshman guard, Myles Mack, is second-best (13.1 ppg). Sophomore center Gilvydas Biruta is averaging 11.9 ppg and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, the Bulls lost their Big East opener Wednesday, 60-57, to visiting No. 8 the University of Connecticut. The loss snapped a seven-game home winning streak for USF (7-7, 0-1 Big East), which is led by senior forward Gus Gilchrist who's averaging a team-best 11.2 points per game.
For more on Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's hoops, check out the SB Nation blog On The Banks, while Voodoo Five has everything on USF.