The University of South Florida Bulls (11-10, 4-4 AAC) erased a 14-point deficit to claim a hard-fought 69-64 victory over the Rice Owls (11-10, 2-6 AAC) on Tuesday. Kasen Jennings delivered a career-best performance, leading four Bulls in double figures as USF secured a crucial conference win at the Yuengling Center.
A Season-High for Jennings
Jennings played a pivotal role in the Bulls’ comeback, recording a season-high 17 points while contributing two assists and two steals. Quincy Ademokoya notched his first career double-double with 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, along with two steals, a block, and an assist. Kobe Knox added 13 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist, while Jayden Reid rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points, four rebounds, a team-high three assists, and two steals. Brandon Stroud also made his presence felt with a game-high three steals.
Defensive Prowess Fuels Comeback
USF’s defensive intensity was a key factor in their win, as eight players recorded at least one steal, with six players tallying two or more. The Bulls forced 19 Rice turnovers—tying the Owls’ season-high—while committing only eight turnovers themselves, with just one in the second half. This defensive effort led to major statistical advantages, as South Florida outscored Rice in points off turnovers (26-10), points in the paint (34-24), fastbreak points (15-2), and bench points (26-17).
First Half Struggles, Second Half Surge
The game started with Rice taking control early, jumping to an 11-5 lead. However, USF responded with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 11-11. Rice regained control and built a 14-point lead with just over two minutes left in the first half. The Bulls struggled offensively, shooting 33.3% from the field and from three-point range, as they went into the break trailing 32-24.
But South Florida emerged from halftime with renewed energy, igniting a 14-2 run that flipped the script and gave the Bulls a 39-34 lead. During this run, Ademokoya and Reid each scored five points, while Kameren Wright’s steal led to a fastbreak dunk that electrified the crowd.
Highlight Dunks Seal the Victory
With USF holding a narrow 52-47 lead, the Bulls went on a decisive 9-2 run, highlighted by two sensational dunks. Reid intercepted a pass and found CJ Brown with a no-look bounce pass, setting up a thunderous slam. Moments later, Reid created another steal, pushing the ball ahead to Jennings, who delivered a slick no-look assist to Knox for another emphatic dunk.
USF closed out the game with a disciplined approach, maintaining their defensive intensity and securing their largest comeback win of the season.
Rice’s Effort Falls Short
Denver Anglin led Rice with 17 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Trae Broadnax contributed 12 points, five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Andrew Akuchie and Caden Powell led the Owls on the glass with eight rebounds apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stop USF’s second-half surge.
Key Stats and Takeaways
- Jennings’ Career Night: A season-best 17 points, marking his eighth game in double figures.
- Knox’s Impact: Scored 13 points in his 12th double-digit performance of the season; USF remains unbeaten at home (15-0) when Knox scores 10+ points.
- Ademokoya’s Breakout: First career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
- Reid’s Playmaking: Finished with 12 points and three assists, reaching double figures for the 13th time this season.
- Bench Contributions: USF’s reserves outscored Rice’s 26-17, marking the 16th time this season the Bulls have won the bench battle.
- Defensive Excellence: Eight players recorded at least one steal, marking the second time this season USF achieved that feat.
Up Next
The Bulls hit the road for a key conference showdown against Florida Atlantic on Sunday, February 2. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET, with live coverage on ESPN2.
Honoring Amir Abdur-Rahim
USF continues to honor the memory of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who passed away in October 2024. The team is wearing patches with his initials (AAR) throughout the season, and his impact remains a guiding force for the program.
About USF Men’s Basketball
Led by interim head coach Ben Fletcher, the Bulls are aiming to build on last season’s record-breaking campaign. The program, which has competed at a high level for over five decades, is seeking to add another chapter to its storied history, which includes two conference championships, three NCAA tournament bids, and a 2019 College Basketball Invitational title.
The Bulls play their home games at the 10,400-seat Yuengling Center, located on South Florida’s Tampa campus.
