Tampa - Sixteenth-ranked Saint Louis University rallied with two goals in the final 16 minutes to top South Florida 4-3 tonight and capture the Conference USA men's soccer regular-season title. Sophomore forward hat trick propelled the Billikens to victory and the right to host C-USA's postseason tournament beginning Thu., Nov. 9.

"It was great to see Jackie emerge with three goals tonight, because he's been a snakebit lately," Billikens head coach Bob Warming said. "He will have great confidence going into the postseason and that's a good sign for us."

The Billikens started quickly with midfielder Brad Davis assisting on Jewsbury's first tally at 13:54. After Davis' free kick rebounded from the Bulls' wall, the freshman chipped a pass to the far post where Jewsbury slid it under Bulls keeper Troy Perkins. USF answered in the 38th minute on a Saint Louis defensive miscue. When USF sent a cross into the Billikens' penalty area, SLU keeper John Politis came off his line to grab it, but was run into by defender Nick Gannon. Gannon's mark, midfielder Ryan Anatol, was left unattended for a header. The goal snapped Politis' scoreless streak at 644 minutes.

USF took its first lead in the 56th minute as the ever-dangerous Anatol sent a cross from the left side to C-USA leading scorer Greg Krauss, who settled it and hammered an 18-yard bomb. Saint Louis returned the favor just five minutes later when midfielder long ball found Jewsbury in the Bulls' area. His one-time rocket to the near post tied it at two.

USF surged ahead again in the 73rd minute by converting defender Wes Elias' long throw-in. Bulls midfielder Jeff Thwaites chested the throw-in and cranked a side-volley to the opposite side netting. SLU came right back to tie one minute later as Davis netted a side volley of his own at 74:29. Billiken assist leader David Beck beat the Bulls' defense down the left side and chipped a ball to the far post where Davis was unmarked.

Jewsbury's game winner at 87:14 came off a counter attack as USF was pushing up. Midfielder long through ball caught Jewsbury in stride. After two touches, his 18-yard laser brought the Billikens a championship.

"It certainly wasn't our best game defensively, but we created enough chances to win," Warming said. USF out-shot the Billikens 17-12, but Politis answered the challenge with five saves. Perkins made four stops for the Bulls.

In Warming's four years, the Billikens have walked away with a C-USA championship. In the last three seasons, the Billikens have either won or tied for the regular-season title. In Warming's first season, the Bills' captured the C-USA postseason tournament championship.

"It will be terrific to host the Conference USA men's tournament for the first time," Warming said. "I know our fans will appreciate the opportunity to see the quality of soccer that has made this league one of the most competitive in the country over the past few seasons."

The Billikens are 11-3-2 overall, 6-1-1 in league play and moved closer to the regular-season C-USA title, while USF is 10-9-0 and 3-5-0. The loss knocked the Bulls out of the postseason tournament. The Billikens will play in the C-USA semifinals on Fri., Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. Their opponent will be the vinner between the fourth and fifth seeds, who are still to be determined.

SAINT LOUIS 4  SOUTH FLORIDA 3 

SLU 13:54 Jack Jewsbury 6yds from Brad Davis USF 38:34 Ryan Anatol from Ryan Beaudoin USF 56:22 Greg Krauss from Anatol SLU 61:03 Jewsbury 15-yd one-timer from Marty Tappel USF 73:22 Jeff Thwaites side-volley from Wes Elias SLU 74:29 Davis 6-yd side volley from David Beck SLU 87:14 Jewsbury 18 yds from Loren Reinhardt

Shots: SLU-12, USF-17 Corners: SLU-4, USF-6 Saves: SLU-5 (Politis), USF-4 (Perkins) Fouls: SLU-9, USF-6