Bulls upset Memphis 75-73
Call it a revenge win — it came against a team the Bulls blew a 15-point lead against just last month.
Call it a statement win — it was the first Quad 1 victory of coach Brian Gregory’s tenure at USF.
Call it whatever you want — but the end result is USF men’s basketball (11-12, 4-6) has its most memorable winning streak in recent memory. After defeating UCF for the first time in almost five years last weekend at the Yuengling Center, USF knocked off Memphis 75-73 on Saturday at FedEx Forum.
Three Bulls scored in double figures. David Collins and Laquincy Rideau each scored 21, while Justin Brown had 14. Brown also recorded a career-high 16 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.
USF led for all but 11 minutes, which was not unlike their Jan. 12 loss to the Tigers (17-6, 6-4) at the Yuengling Center, where the Bulls led for all but 12.
Except, unlike the game in Tampa, where USF did not make a field goal in the game’s final 6:37, the Bulls were able to hit baskets late — including a critical layup by Collins with just under a minute remaining.
“We felt we let some things slip away in the first game, especially defensively and on the glass, but I thought we had a great chance to come in here and get a win if we tightened those things up,” coach Brian Gregory said in a statement. “To the credit of our guys, they played with great toughness, energy and intensity, and stuck together during some tough times during the game. When Memphis made runs, we were able to respond, which was key.”
The Bulls can put together their first four-game winning streak of the season when they return to the Yuengling Center to face Houston on Wednesday at 9 p.m.
More Stories
USF men’s basketball falls in season opener against Florida
The Bulls fought hard against the Gators in their season opener, hitting the court for the second time just 11 days after the death of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Interim head coach Ben Fletcher, who was appointed one week ago, led USF as it finished the first half with a slim lead before ultimately slipping […]
USF women’s basketball dominates Bethune-Cookman in season opener
The Bulls women’s basketball team coasted to a 87-44 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Monday. The win marked the beginning of head coach Jose Fernandez’s 25th season and the Bulls’ 11th consecutive season-opener win. Related: USF’s Jose Fernandez on his 25th season: ‘This is a special place.’ Seven players suited up for their first game in […]
OPINION: Are USF and FAU rivals now? Let’s debate.
Is it time to call USF vs FAU a rivalry? Sure, when the Owls planted their flag midfield at Raymond James Stadium after last year’s inaugural conference matchup — a blowout 56-14 win for FAU — it may have irked some of the Bulls faithful. This season, after a 44-21 win on Friday, the Bulls […]
USF celebrates the life of Amir Abdur-Rahim, announces new tributes in his honor
“Humble.” “Authentic.” “Loving.” These are just a few of the words that resonated through the Yuengling Center on Saturday, as family, fans and members of the USF community gathered to honor the life of late men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Born in Marietta Georgia, Abdur-Rahim was one of 13 siblings, including former NBA All-Star Shareef […]
Amid USF’s rocky season, punter Andrew Stokes stands out
As the USF Bulls (3-4, 1-2 AAC) trudge through the season, senior punter Andrew Stokes has emerged as a steady and consistent presence. Stokes has quietly been a standout performer for the Bulls this season, earning national recognition for three consecutive weeks. He was on the weekly honor-roll for the Ray-Guy award from weeks five […]
USF back on the court after Abdur-Rahim’s death: ‘They wanted to play’
USF men’s basketball was on the court just six days after the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim. In fact, they were back in practice just 48 hours after their late head coach died last Thursday due to complications from a medical procedure. To some, that may seem way too soon. But for the Bulls, it was […]