TAMPA, Fla. (February 2, 2024) – The University of South Florida men's basketball team stays on the road for an American Athletic Conference matchup with North Texas on Saturday. The Bulls (14-5, 7-1 AAC) and the Mean Green (12-8, 5-3 AAC) are slated for a 6 p.m. ET tip on ESPN+.

The Bulls extended their winning streak to six conference games, which ties the longest in program history. The last time USF won six conference games in a row was the 1991-92 season as a member of the Metro Conference. South Florida started the season 14-5 for just the fifth time in program history. It is the first time since the 1990-91 campaign. The 7-1 start to conference play is the best in program history.

Pryor on Fire
Earlier this week, Kasean Pryor was named to the AAC Honor Roll based on his performances against Temple and UTSA. For the week, he led the team with 16.0 points per game. He shot over 60 percent from the field (61.1%), from 3-point range (60.0%), and the free-throw line (1.000) across two games. He recorded a double-double in USF's road win at Temple with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He added a steal. He finished with 12 points in the USF win against UTSA. For the season, he leads the team with 7.1 rebounds per contest. His 5.83 defensive rebounds per game are 80th in the NCAA and fifth in the AAC. He is third on the squad averaging 12.7 points per game. He has a team-best 17 blocks. He is tied for the team lead with 23 steals. He has added 28 assists. He is shooting 82.8 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 150th in the country and fifth in the conference.

'Sel'ing Point
Selton Miguel is 180th in the country with 2.21 3-pointers per game, which is seventh in the conference. He is tied for the team lead with 14.5 points per contest. He is fourth on the squad with 3.6 boards per game. He is third on the squad with 22 steals and is tied for second on the team with 43 assists. He has added six blocks.

Bulls at a Glance
Chris Youngblood is tied for the team lead with 14.5 points per game. He is averaging 2.5 rebounds per game to go along with 43 assists, 12 steals, and 11 blocks. He is shooting 82.5 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 160th in the country and is seventh in the AAC. Jayden Reid leads the team with 70 assists. He is tied for 183rd in the NCAA with 3.7 assists per game and is eighth in the AAC. He has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.50, which is tied for 67th in the country, fourth in the conference, and seventh among NCAA freshmen. He is tied for the team lead with 23 steals. He averages 2.7 rebounds per game to go along with 6.9 points per contest. Kobe Knox is second on the team with 13 blocks. He averages 8.6 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Strong Bench
South Florida's bench is 33rd in the NCAA and second in the conference averaging 27.68 points per contest. The USF bench has outscored its opponent's bench 526-368. Opposing benches are averaging just 19.37 points per game.

Cashing in on Free Opportunities
The Bulls are tied for 52nd in the NCAA and sixth in the conference with 16.1 made free throws per game. USF is tied for 66th in the country with 21.9 free-throw attempts per game, which is fifth in the AAC.

Fast and Furious
The Bulls have been playing stout defense and are tied for 51st in the NCAA with a turnover margin of 2.6, which is second in the conference. South Florida is 81st in the country with 13.53 forced turnovers per contest, which is fourth in the AAC. USF has used the turnovers to lead to fastbreak opportunities. The Bulls are 85th in the nation with 12.16 fastbreak points per game, which is seventh in the conference.

Last Time Out
South Florida extended its winning streak to six games, which tied the best winning streak in conference games for USF. Youngblood finished with a game-high 20 points to go along with a game-high six assists and one rebound. Miguel posted a 14-point performance with three rebounds and one steal. Pryor recorded his fifth double-double with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. He added two blocks, two assists, and one steal. The Bulls extended their winning streak to six conference games, which ties the longest in program history. The last time USF won six conference games in a row was the 1991-92 season as a member of the Metro Conference. South Florida started the season 14-5 for just the fifth time in program history. It is the first time since the 1990-91 campaign. The 7-1 start to conference play is the best in program history.

History with North Texas
South Florida and North Texas will meet for the first time on Saturday.

Scouting the Mean Green
North Texas is fourth in the NCAA in scoring defense and is holding opponents to 60.2 points per game. The Mean Green defense is holding opponents to 39.3 percent from the field, which is tied for 12th in the country and second in the AAC. Opponents are shooting 30.3 percent from behind the 3-point line, which is tied for 37th in the country and third. Jason Edwards leads the team with 17.6 points per game, which is tied for 97th in the country and fourth in the conference. He averages 2.1 rebounds per game with 25 assists, 17 steals, and three blocks. Aaron Scott is second on the team averaging 12.0 points per game. He has a team-best 23 steals and a team-high 31 blocks. His 31 blocks are tied for 83rd in the NCAA and sixth in the AAC. He has dished out 26 assists. Rubin Jones rounds out the double-digit scorers with 11.7 a contest. He leads the team with 53 assists to go along with 3.0 rebounds per contest, 19 steals, and three blocks. Robert Allen paces the squad with 7.9 boards a game. His 3.45 offensive rebounds per game are 19th in the NCAA and second in the AAC. He averages 6.2 points per game with 23 assists, 17 steals, and 13 blocks.

Tale of the Tape

American Athletic Conference Standings (as of January 31)
1. Florida Atlantic – 17-4, 7-1
2. South Florida – 14-5, 7-1
3. Charlotte – 13-7, 7-1
4. UAB – 14-7, 6-2
5. North Texas – 12-8. 5-3
6. SMU – 13-7, 4-3
7. Memphis – 15-6, 4-4
8. ECU – 11-11, 4-5
9. Tulane – 12-8, 3-5
10. Tulsa – 12-8, 3-5
11. Rice – 8-13, 2-6
12. UTSA – 8-13, 2-6
13. Wichita State – 9-12, 1-7
14. Temple – 8-13, 1-7

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About USF Men's Basketball
The South Florida men's basketball team is led by Amir Abdur-Rahim, who was named the 11th head coach in program history on March 29, 2023. Abdur-Rahim was named the 2023 Mid-Major Coach of the Year (Hugh Durham Award) after leading Kennesaw State to its first-ever Division I NCAA Tournament berth in 2022-23. Abdur-Rahim's Kennesaw State team set an NCAA record as the fastest team to ever reach the NCAA Tournament after a one-win campaign, accomplishing the feat in a span of just three seasons. He was also named the 2022-23 NABC District 3 and ASUN Coach of the Year after leading Kennesaw State to both the regular season and tournament titles, and a school-record 26 wins.

USF has retired three numbers in its history: Chucky Atkins (12), Charlie Bradley (30), and Radenko Dobras (31). The Bulls have earned three NCAA tournament bids, appeared in the NIT eight times, and won the 2019 College Basketball Invitational.

For tickets, contact the USF Ticket Office at 1-800-Go-Bulls or by going online to USFBullsTix.com.

USF at UNT preview

South Florida Extends Winning Streak to Seven Games




DENTON, Texas (February 3, 2024) – The University of South Florida men’s basketball team returned to action for an American Athletic Conference road contest against North Texas on Saturday. Chris Youngblood recorded a team-high 16 points as the Bulls defeated the Mean Green 60-55.



With the win, South Florida improved to 15-5 overall and 8-1 in AAC play, while North Texas fell to 12-9 overall and 5-4 in conference action.



South Florida started the season 15-5 for just the fifth time in program history. It is the first time since the 1990-91 campaign. The Bulls extended their winning streak to seven conference games, which is the longest in program history. The seven-game winning streak ties the third-longest winning streak in program history. It is the first time since the 2018-19 season that USF has won seven straight games.



The Mean Green opened the game with a 4-0 run. The Bulls were unfazed and responded with five unanswered. Kasean Pryor knocked down a 3-pointer, while Brandon Stroud picked off a pass and took it the distance for a layup.



South Florida extended its lead to 12-7 with 11:16 left in the opening stanza. During USF’s 7-3 run, Selton Miguel knocked down a 3-pointer.



North Texas outscored South Florida 10-9 over the next 4:30 of play and cut the USF lead to 21-17. During the stretch, Corey Walker Jr. scored six of the nine points for the Bulls. The two sides battled back and forth over the next three minutes as South Florida held a 24-19 lead with just under four minutes left until the break.



The Mean Green closed out the half on a 12-2 run and took a 31-26 left into the half.



The Bulls came out on fire in the second half with an 8-0 run. Youngblood knocked down two 3-pointers and forced a Mean Green time. USF held a 34-31 lead with 17:03 left in regulation.



The two sides traded baskets over the next six minutes of action as the Bulls held a 43-40 lead with just under 11 minutes left in regulation. Pryor found Kobe Knox for the alley-oop in transition.



North Texas went on an 8-2 run and took a 48-45 lead with just over eight minutes left in the second half. The two squads each scored four points over the next four minutes of play as the Mean Green held a 52-49 lead with 3:51 left in regulation.



The Bulls went on a 7-2 run with 1:59 left on the clock and took a 56-54 lead. Youngblood accounted for five of the seven points, including a 3-pointer. South Florida utilized two free throws from Jayden Reid and Youngblood to help secure a 60-55 victory.



Youngblood finished with a team-high 16 points. He added one rebound. Stroud recorded a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with eight points, four assists, two steals, and one block. It was his third consecutive game with 12 rebounds. Miguel and Pryor each posted nine-point performances.



Jason Edwards went for a game-high 31 points with one rebound. Rondel Walker brought down a team-high 10 rebounds.



The Bulls bench outscored the Mean Green’s bench 19-6. South Florida held the advantage in fastbreak points 10-6. USF outrebounded UNT 37-28.



Notables

· The Bulls extended their winning streak to seven conference games, which ties the longest in program history.

· South Florida started the season 15-5 for just the fifth time in program history. It is the first time since the 1990-91 campaign.

· The seven-game winning streak ties the third-longest winning streak in program history. It is the first time since the 2018-19 season that USF has won seven straight games.

· Chris Youngblood finished with a team-high 16 points with one rebound.

· Brandon Stroud recorded his third straight game with 12 rebounds.



Next Up

The Bulls to the friendly confines of the Yuengling Center on Tuesday, February 6. South Florida faces Charlotte at 9 p.m. on ESPN2.

North Texas is favored by 6.5 and in a game that will be short on possessions and likely low scoring - that's too many points. Give me USF and the +6.5

Pick: South Florida +6.5

The AAC is dominating the ESPN airwaves today, with the Game of the Week being North Texas at #22 Florida Atlantic

North Texas (12-6, 5-1) at #22 Florida Atlantic (16-4, 6-1); 1pm (espn2)
SMU (13-6, 4-2) at Wichita State (8-11, 0-6); 3pm (espn2)
#19 Memphis (15-4, 4-2) at UAB (12-7, 4-2); 5pm (ESPN)
Temple (8-12, 1-6) at East Carolina (10-10, 3-4); 5pm (espn2)

Here are my updated rankings headed into today's game:

NCAA Tournament Bound

1. Florida Atlantic (16-4, 6-1); NET: #27 - Owls have now won 5 in a row, and have won 24 of their last 25 home games; Guard Johnell Davis is averaging 19.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 3.7 apg in conference play

2. Memphis (15-4, 4-2); NET: #59 - Tigers have lost 2 in a row by a combined 3 points, and have had to sit around and think about with their last win coming on two weeks ago. Memphis needs to right the ship today at a good UAB team, before fattening up Rice, Wichita State and Temple (on the road)

On the Bubble

3. North Texas (12-6, 5-1); NET: #71 - the Mean Green's win at home against SMU was much needed as their 4 other conference wins were against teams with a combined conference record of 7-21. The Mean Green only allow 59.4 ppg (4th in DI) and can validate their position near the top of the AAC with a win at #22 FAU on Sunday

4. SMU (13-6, 4-2); NET: #33 - The Mustang's NET ranking remained virtually the same despite blowing out Tulsa and losing at North Texas; a late February stretch of games against Memphis, at FAU and at USF - a combined 16-4 in conference - will likely determine their post season fate

NIT Bound

5. Charlotte (13-7, 7-1); NET: #95 - the 49ers play with a slow tempo, averaging 65.3 possessions per game (356th in DI); Charlotte likely isn't going to fade from the conference race as only 3 of their last 10 games are against teams with a winning conference record (at Memphis and home/away against USF), and a record of 20-10 and 14-4 may be good enough to challenge for the regular season title

Post Season Possible

6. South Florida (13-5, 6-1); NET: #116 - Bulls have won 11 of their last 12 and would be ranked higher, but outside of their win at Memphis their other 5 conference wins are against the bottom four teams in the conference, who are a combined 4-24 in conference play; upcoming games against North Texas (road) and Charlotte (home) should be a good barometer of how improved USF really is

7. Tulane (12-8, 3-5); NET: #117 - Green Wave, losers of 5 of their last 7, would likely be higher in the rankings if they could win close games, but 3 of their 5 conferences losses have come by a combined 6 points; with 5 games left against the top 4 teams in the conference Tulane could dramatically lower their NET if they can get hot

8. UAB (12-7, 4-2); NET: #148 - the Blazers have a great opportunity to surge up the rankings with their next two home games are against #19 Memphis and #22 Florida Atlantic with tough road games against SMU and North Texas sandwiched in between

Second Division

9. Tulsa (11-8, 2-5); NET: #179 - Golden Hurricane have won 2 of their last 3, and can get their 3rd win Wednesday at home against Wichita State, then have a 5 game stretch against teams with a combined record of 29-5 in conference

10. East Carolina (10-10, 3-4); NET: #188 - Pirates can get to .500 in conference with a win at home against Temple on Sunday; 5 of East Carolina's 10 losses have been by 5 points are less - they won't be pushovers

11. Wichita State (8-11, 0-6); NET: #160 - The Shockers' 7-1 start to the season is a distant memory

12. UTSA (8-13, 2-6): NET: #279 - The Road Runners have allowed 85.0 ppg - second worst in DI

13. Rice (7-13, 1-6); NET: # 248 - Owls have had a 2nd half lead in 3 of their 6 conference losses

14. Temple (8-12, 1-6); NET: #246 - Owls are shooting 37.4% from the field - 4th worst in DI


All Conference First Team
David Jones, Mem (F) - Player of the Year
Kevin Cross (F) - Tulane
PJ Haggerty, Tulsa (G)
Johnell Davis, FAU (G)
Jason Edwards, North Texas (G) - moved up

All Conference Second Team
RJ Felton, East Carolina (G) - moved down
Max Fiedler, Rice (F)
Hysier Miller, Temple (G)
Vladislav Goldin, FAU (C)
Travis Eeve, Rice (G) - moved up

All Conference Third Team
Colby Rogers, Wichita State (G)
Jaylen Forbes, Tulane (G)
Zhuric Phelps, SMU (G) - moved up
Eric Gaines, UAB (G)
Selton Miguel, USF (G)

With one month left to go in the regular season below are the list of all non-P5+Big East schools ranked by NET up to where USF is currently ranked. Joe Lunardi currently projects 6 at-large bids to mid/low-major schools, but I could see that expanding to as many as 8 depending on how the rest of the regular season and conference tournaments play out.

• Going solely by NET, any mid/low-major team will need to rank inside the Top 50 in NET to realistically get an NCAAT at-large bid
• Going solely by NET, any mid/low major team will need to rank inside the Top 95 in NET to realistically get an NIT bid (the NIT no longer guarantees spots to regular season conference winners, and instead is guaranteeing 12 spots to the P5+Big East)
• There are also some leagues - Missouri Valley, Ivy and possibly the WAC - that could get 2 teams in if there is an upset in their conference tournament, which would bump up to 3 NCAAT bubble teams out (those being bumped could come from any conference)
• Right now I would say USF needs to leapfrog about 7-8 at-large teams to realistically make the NIT, and would need to leapfrog about 20-25 at-large teams to realistically make the NCAAT, at which point they likely have better odds to win the conference tournament and automatically qualify (right now USF is ~4% chance to make the NCAAT)

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Dante Core

NIL is here to stay, whether we like it or not.

Curious how board members, who are the epitome of USF diehards, are doing regarding NIL.

I am still on the fence. Want to contribute but still not sure...

I hope the guys are ready. Beating ECU in Greenville is never easy. We are not at the point where we can take a night off. We need another W before the schedule gets much more dangerous. I hope we don't take the Purple Pansies lightly.

Normal

Up 11-0

Theee straight 3’s to begin the game

South Florida Extends Winning Streak to Six Games



GREENVILLE, N.C. (January 31, 2024) – The University of South Florida men’s basketball team was back on the court on Wednesday for an American Athletic Conference matchup with East Carolina. Chris Youngblood finished with a game-high 20 points as South Florida defeated East Carolina 70-61.



The Bulls improved to 14-5 overall and 7-1 in AAC play, while the Pirates fell to 11-11 overall and 4-5 in conference action.



The Bulls extended their winning streak to six conference games, which ties the longest in program history. The last time USF won six conference games in a row was the 1991-92 season as a member of the Metro Conference.



South Florida started the season 14-5 for just the fifth time in program history. It is the first time since the 1990-91 campaign. The 7-1 start to conference play is the best in program history.



The Bulls came out of the gates strong with an 11-0 run. Brandon Stroud, Chris Youngblood, and Kasean Pryor each knocked down a 3-pointer. ECU answered with an 8-0 and cut the USF lead to 13-8 with 11:13 left until the break.



South Florida outscored East Carolina 9-6 over the next five minutes of play and extended its lead to 22-16. Selton Miguel drained a 3-pointer to put the Bulls up 25-20. After a 3-pointer from Youngblood, Knox recorded a highlight-reel dunk. Jayden Reid drove into the paint and kicked it to a cutting Knox. Knox elevated for an emphatic slam dunk. The Bulls held a 30-20 lead with 3:50 left until the break.



USF outscored ECU 10-8 to close out the half. South Florida took a 40-28 lead into the half.



The Pirates opened the second half with a 12-6 run and cut the Bulls’ lead to 48-40 with 13:02 left in the second half. The two sides traded baskets to make the score 50-42 in favor of South Florida.



The Bulls were unfazed and went on a 10-3 run and extended their lead to 60-45 with 7:58 left in regulation. During the run, Youngblood surpassed 1,500 career points.



The two sides traded seven points as South Florida took a 67-52 lead with 3:30 left to play. The Pirates outscored the Bulls 8-4 for the remainder of the game, but USF claimed a 71-60 victory.



Youngblood finished with a game-high 20 points to go along with a game-high six assists and one rebound. Miguel posted a 14-point performance with three rebounds and one steal. Pryor recorded his fifth double-double with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. He added two blocks, two assists, and one steal.



Cam Hayes led ECU with 14 points with three steals, three assists, and one rebound. RJ Felton was the only other Pirate in double figures with 13 points. The USF defense held Felton below his season average. He added five rebounds with three steals and two blocks.



Notables

· The Bulls extended their winning streak to six conference games, which ties the longest in program history. The last time USF won six conference games in a row was the 1991-92 season as a member of the Metro Conference.

· South Florida started the season 14-5 for just the fifth time in program history. It is the first time since the 1990-91 campaign.

· The 7-1 start to conference play is the best in program history.

· For the third time this season, the Bulls finished with five guys in double figures.

· Youngblood finished with a game-high 20 points to go along with a game-high six assists and one rebound. Youngblood surpassed 1,500 career points.

· Miguel posted a 14-point performance with three rebounds and one steal. · Chris Youngblood went for 15 points and collected three rebounds with one assist.

· Pryor recorded his fifth double-double with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. He added two blocks, two assists, and one steal.



Next Up

The Bulls stay on the road to start the month of February. South Florida takes on North Texas on Saturday, Feb. 3.The tip between the Bulls and Mean Green is slated for 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

So much for getting off to a slow start. Bulls up 11-0.

Very Good read about our friend Russ.

As expected the visit is going well. Kevin Knox Sr. didn't have much time to talk but he gave high marks to the USF staff for its hospitality.

"They spent the whole time with us. I mean we've been everywhere. Like, there's not a minute that we haven't spent together. This was different. They [USF] went overboard with this one," Knox Sr. said.

Putting together an itinerary for an official visit during the season when you have two-days to prepare for an opponent requires extra detailed planning than a weekend visit in September or October.

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Karter Knox and his parents will attend tonight's game against Maine then attend a post game meal with the coaching staff. The visit will officially end when the dinner concludes.

No POW this week but still made the honor roll

IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s basketball honors for the 12th week of the regular season.



PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Johnell Davis, Jr., G, Florida Atlantic

Davis aided the Owls to a pair of victories by averaging 21.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. He scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Rice on Wednesday before dropping 28 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-point field goal against North Texas on Sunday to keep Florida Atlantic in a tie for first place in The American’s standings.



FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

PJ Haggerty, G, Tulsa

Haggerty led the Golden Hurricane to a win at Rice on Saturday with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists. It was Tulsa’s first road victory since February 19, 2022. 19 of his 21 points came in the second half against the Owls.



HONOR ROLL

Yaxel Lendeborg, Jr., F, UAB

Lendeborg averaged 17.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in two games for the Blazers, including a 23-point, 16-rebound performance in a win over No. 19 Memphis on Sunday.



Igor Milicic Jr, Jr., F, Charlotte

Milicic averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds as the 49ers defeated UAB and Tulane to stay in a tie for first place in The American’s standings.



RJ Felton, Jr., G, East Carolina

Felton averaged 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals in wins over Wichita State and Temple last week.



Jason Edwards, So., G, North Texas

Edwards averaged 19.0 points in two Mean Green contests last week, including 22 points in a win over local rival SMU on Thursday.




Kasean Pryor, Jr., F, South Florida


Pryor aided the Bulls to wins over Temple and UTSA by averaging 16.0 points and 6.0 rebounds.

TAMPA, Fla. (January 30, 2024) – The University of South Florida men's basketball team hits the road for an American Athletic Conference battle with East Carolina on Wednesday, January 31. The Bulls (13-4, 6-1 AAC) and the Pirates (11-10, 4-4 AAC) are slated for a 7 p.m. tip on ESPN+.



The 13-5 start is the best since the Bulls opened the season with a 13-5 mark for the 2001-02 campaign. It is just the sixth time in program history that USF has started 13-5 or better. The best starts in program history came during the 1980-81 and the 1982-83 seasons, where South Florida started 14-4.



Pryor on Fire

Earlier this week, Kasean Pryor was named to the AAC Honor Roll based on his performances against Temple and UTSA. For the week, he led the team with 16.0 points per game. He shot over 60 percent from the field (61.1%), from 3-point range (60.0%), and the free-throw line (1.000) across two games. He recorded a double-double in USF’s road win at Temple with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He added a steal. He finished with 12 points in the USF win against UTSA. For the season, he leads the team with 6.8 rebounds per contest. His 5.53 defensive rebounds per game are tied for 117th in the NCAA and seventh in the AAC. He is third on the squad averaging 12.6 points per game. He has a team-best 15 blocks. He is tied for the team lead with 22 steals. He has added 26 assists. He is shooting 83.6 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 123rd in the country and sixth in the conference.



‘Sel’ing Point

Selton Miguel is 163rd in the country with 2.28 3-pointers per game, which is seventh in the conference. He leads the team with 14.6 points per contest. He is fourth on the squad with 3.7 boards per game. He is third on the squad with 21 steals and is second on the team with 47 assists. He has added six blocks.



Bulls at a Glance

Chris Youngblood is second on the team lead with 14.2 points per game. He is averaging 2.6 rebounds per game to go along with 37 assists, 12 steals, and 11 blocks. He is shooting 82.1 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 169th in the country and is tied for eighth in the AAC. Jayden Reid leads the team with 67 assists. He is tied for 181st in the NCAA with 3.7 assists per game and is eighth in the AAC. He has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.68, which is tied for 53rd in the country, fourth in the conference, and sixth among NCAA freshmen. He is tied for the team lead with 22 steals. He averages 2.7 rebounds per game to go along with 7.2 points per contest. Kobe Knox is tied for second on the team with 11 blocks. He averages 8.7 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game.



Strong Bench

South Florida’s bench is 33rd in the NCAA and second in the conference averaging 28.06 points per contest. The USF bench has outscored its opponent's bench 505-340. Opposing benches are averaging just 18.89 points per game.



Cashing in on Free Opportunities

The Bulls are tied for 37th in the NCAA and fifth in the conference with 16.6 made free throws per game. USF is tied for 54th in the country with 22.4 free-throw attempts per game, which is sixth in the AAC.



Fast and Furious

The Bulls have been playing stout defense and are tied for 37th in the NCAA with a turnover margin of 3.1, which is second in the conference. South Florida is tied for 77th in the country with 13.61 forced turnovers per contest, which is fourth in the AAC. USF has used the turnovers to lead to fastbreak opportunities. The Bulls are 84th in the nation with 12.28 fastbreak points per game, which is seventh in the conference.



Last Time Out

Five South Florida players finished in double figures as the Bulls slowed down the Roadrunners with an 89-72 victory. USF recorded a program record 18 3-pointers, which is a record that has stood since December 7, 1991. The Bulls tied the record earlier this season with a 14-point performance against Alabama State on December 29, 2023. The 18 3-pointers are the second most in an AAC conference game this season and are tied for the 20th most in a single game in the NCAA this year. Kobe Knox tied a season-high with 18 points as notched a season-best three 3-pointers with a 3-for-4 game from long distance. He added a game-high four blocks, which was a season-best. He brought down five rebounds with two assists and two steals. It was his seventh game in double figures this season. Jose Placer added a 16-point performance while shooting 4-for-6 from 3-point range. He added four assists and two rebounds. Selton Miguel and Chris Youngblood each tallied 15 points. Miguel finished with a game-high six assists and one rebound. Youngblood collected three rebounds with one assist. Kasean Pryor closed out the double-digit scorers with 12 points to go along with two rebounds and an assist. Brandon Stroud produced a monster game on the glass with a season-high 12 rebounds. He chipped in with seven points and four assists. He was a perfect 2-for-2 from the field, 1-for-1 from 3-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.



History with ECU

USF and ECU will meet for the 27th time on Wednesday. The Bulls lead the series 14-12. The Pirates won the last meeting 73-58 in the AAC Tournament last season. South Florida is 6-7 in games played in Greenville, North Carolina.



Scouting the Pirates

ECU is tough against the 3-pointer and is holding opponents to 30.0 percent from long range, which is tied for 32nd in the NCAA and tied for second in the AAC. The Pirates are strong on the offensive glass with 12.81 offensive rebounds per game, which is 40th in the nation and fourth in the conference. ECU is tied for 59th in the country with a turnover ratio of 2.3, which is fourth in the league. RJ Felton leads the team with 16.2 points per game and is second on the squad with 6.4 rebounds per game. He paces the team with 42 steals and 16 blocks. His 42 steals are tied for 38th in the NCAA and third in the conference. His 2.00 steals per game are tied for 51st in the country and tied for fourth in the AAC. He has dished out 23 assists. Ezra Ausar is second on the team with 13.6 points a game. He is second in the league with 150 free throw attempts, which is tied for 18th in the nation. He has made 101 free throws, which is second in the conference and 38th in the country. He averages 5.4 rebounds per contest with 18 assists, 18 steals, and 10 blocks. Brandon Johnson rounds out the double-digit scorers with 13.5 points a game. He averages 8.7 rebounds per game, which is tied for 54th in the NCAA and third in the AAC. He has recorded seven double-doubles, which is tied for 40th in the nation and second in the conference. Bobby Pettiford Jr. leads the team with 76 assists. He is tied for 21st in the country with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.17, which is the best in the league. He averages 8.3 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game.



Tale of the Tape



American Athletic Conference Standings (as of January 29)

1. Florida Atlantic – 17-4, 7-1

2. Charlotte – 13-7, 7-1

3. South Florida – 13-5, 6-1

4. UAB – 13-7, 5-2

5. North Texas – 12-7. 5-2

6. Memphis – 15-5, 4-3

7. SMU – 13-7, 4-3

8. ECU – 11-10, 4-4

9. Tulane – 12-8, 3-5

10. Tulsa – 11-8, 2-5

11. UTSA – 8-13, 2-6

12. Wichita State – 9-11, 1-6

13. Rice – 7-13, 1-6

14. Temple – 8-13, 1-7



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Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: ecupirates.com

Listen: Bulls Unlimited

Unfortunately the first tweet I read showed a video of the on ice tragedy, tweeted without consideration of family, friends and fans of Adam Johnson. That tweet was deleted…but I have following hickey since i was 7 yrs OL…and it’s something I never thought I would see.

Better video below that is circulating online.

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Below are each teams games against P5 schools next season:

• Army - none
• Charlotte - at North Carolina, at Indiana
• East Carolina - none
• Florida Atlantic - at Michigan State
• Memphis - at Florida State
• Navy - vs. Notre Dame (East Rutherford, NJ)
• North Texas - at Texas Tech
• Rice - at Houston
• Temple - at Oklahoma
• Tulane - Kansas State
• Tulsa - Oklahoma State
• UAB - at Arkansas
• South Florida - at Alabama, Miami (FL)
• UTSA - at Texas

USF has 10 games against P5 teams over the next 6 years (4 home, 6 away) - this is where Michael Kelly has done his best work

TAMPA, Fla. (January 27, 2024) – The University of South Florida men’s basketball team returned to the Yuengling Center for an American Athletic Conference contest with UTSA on Saturday. Kobe Knox led USF with 18 points. Five South Florida players finished in double figures as the Bulls slowed down the Roadrunners with an 89-72 victory.



USF recorded a program record 18 3-pointers, which is a record that has stood since December 7, 1991. The Bulls tied the record earlier this season with a 14-point performance against Alabama State on December 29, 2023. The 18 3-pointers are the second most in an AAC conference game this season and are tied for the 20th most in a single game in the NCAA this year.



The Bulls have started 13-5 for just the seventh time in program history. It is the first since the 2001-02 season that USF has started 13-5. The Bulls have started 13-5 five times now and have started 14-4 twice. The 6-1 start to conference play ties the best start in program history. The only other time the Bulls started conference play 6-1 was in the 2000-01 season as a member of the Conference USA. For the third time this season, the Bulls finished with five guys in double figures.



The Bulls started the game fast with an 8-4 run that ended with back-to-back 3-pointers from Kasean Pryor and Brandon Stroud. South Florida extended its lead to 17-6 with a 9-2 run. After Knox made a free throw, Jose Placer found Pryor for the alley-oop. Chris Youngblood and Placer drained back-to-back 3-pointers to end the run.



UTSA went outscored USF 12-11 over the next four minutes of play and cut the deficit to 30-18 with 7:22 left until the break. Selton Miguel found Corey Walker Jr. for the alley-oop on an inbound pass to start the scoring.



The Roadrunners cut the deficit to eight, 36-28, with just over three minutes left in the half. The Bulls were unfazed and responded with an 8-2 run to close out the half. Miguel drained a 3-pointer for the last basket of the half as the Bulls took a 44-30 lead into the break.



USF opened the second half with three 3-pointers one each from Knox, Pryor, and Miguel, as the Bulls extended their lead to 53-37. South Florida added a 12-7 run, capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from Knox. The Bulls extended its lead to 65-44 with 12:09 left in regulation.



The two sides combined for 12 points, but the Bulls held a 71-52 lead with 7:56 left to play. During that stretch, Placer knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to break the single-game record with 3-pointers with 15 as a team.



It was a back-and-forth battle for the next four minutes of play as the Bulls combined for 13 points with two more 3-pointers, one by Youngblood and one from Miguel. The Roadrunners utilized two 3-pointers from Jordan Ivy-Curry as the team scored 12 points. USF extended its lead to 20, 84-64, with 3:54 left to play.



The Roadrunners closed out the game on an 8-5 run, but the early lead from the Bulls was too much to overcome. During the closing minutes, Placer knocked down his fourth 3-pointer on the day and gave South Florida a total of 18 for the game. South Florida claimed an 89-72 win.



Knox tied a season-high with 18 points as notched a season-best three 3-pointers with a 3-for-4 game from long distance. He added a game-high four blocks, which was a season-best. He brought down five rebounds with two assists and two steals. It was his seventh game in double figures this season. Placer added a 16-point performance while shooting 4-for-6 from 3-point range. He added four assists and two rebounds. Miguel and Youngblood each tallied 15 points. Miguel finished with a game-high six assists and one rebound. Youngblood collected three rebounds with one assist. Pryor closed out the double-digit scorers with 12 points to go along with two rebounds and an assist. Stroud produced a monster game on the glass with a season-high 12 rebounds. He chipped in with seven points and four assists. He was a perfect 2-for-2 from the field, 1-for-1 from 3-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.



As a unit, the Bulls dished out 25 assists, the second most on the season.



Jordan Ivy-Curry recorded a game-high 23 points and was the lone player in double digits for UTSA. He added five rebounds and two assists. Massal Diouf led the team with six rebounds.



Notables

· USF recorded a program record 18 3-pointers, which is a record that has stood since December 7, 1991. The Bulls tied the record earlier this season with a 14-point performance against Alabama State on December 29, 2023.

· The 18 3-pointers are the second most in an AAC conference game this season and are tied for the 20th most in a single game in the NCAA.

· The Bulls have started 13-5 for just the seventh time in program history. It is the first since the 2001-02 season that USF has started 13-5. The Bulls have started 13-5 five times now and have started 14-4 twice.

· The 6-1 start to conference play ties the best start in program history. The only other time the Bulls started conference play 6-1 was in the 2000-01 season as a member of the Conference USA.

· For the third time this season, the Bulls finished with five guys in double figures.

· Kobe Knox tied a season-high with 18 points as notched a season-best three 3-pointers with a 3-for-4 game from long distance. He added a game-high four blocks, which was a season-best. He brought down five rebounds with two assists and two steals. It was his seventh game in double figures this season.

· Jose Placer added a 16-point performance while shooting 4-for-6 from 3-point range. He added four assists and two rebounds. It was his fourth game in double digits this season.

· Selton Miguel posted 15 points, a season-high six assists, and one rebound.

· Chris Youngblood went for 15 points and collected three rebounds with one assist.

· Kasean Pryor closed out the double-digit scorers with 12 points to go along with two rebounds and an assist.

· Brandon Stroud produced a monster game on the glass with a season-high 12 rebounds. He chipped in with seven points and four assists. He was a perfect 2-for-2 from the field, 1-for-1 from 3-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.



Next Up

South Florida heads north for a matchup with East Carolina on Wednesday, January 31. The Bulls and Pirates are scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip on ESPN+.

750!!!


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