Defensive woes doom Bulls in loss to UMass
Despite a second half comeback, South Florida men’s basketball fell 73-67 to Massachusetts on Tuesday at the Yuengling Center, preventing the Bulls from getting a third straight win.
The Bulls (2-6) gained two starters from injury and hoped to add to their consecutive victories over Saint Joseph’s and St. Francis. On Tuesday, senior forward Keyshawn Bryant returned from a four-game absence due to an undisclosed injury, and junior guard Jamir Chaplin came back after missing the last game with a concussion.
After dominating UMass (5-1) early on defense, USF quickly let the Massachusetts offense take over the game. The Minutemen went on a 14-2 run to widen their lead, ending the first half with a 40-25 advantage.
On the offensive end, USF struggled during the first 20 minutes of action, shooting a mere 29% from the field. However, the Bulls came back in the second half with an improved 53.3%.
The Bulls held as much as a 15-point deficit in the second half. Despite going on a late scoring push to cut the margin to six, USF ran out of time making it a one possession game.
Coach Brian Gregory was frustrated with the team’s defensive performance, especially in the way they defended the perimeter in the second half.
“The bottom line is that we’re struggling defending the three point line,” Gregory said.
South Florida ranks ninth in the AAC in opponents three-point percentage and allows an average of 8.7 three pointers a game, as opposed to a mere 5.6 made shots.
The Bulls perimeter struggles continued, allowing UMass to shoot 43% from the line, including nearly 55% in the second half.
Gregory criticized his defense for allowing Massachusetts access to easy shots.
“Today it was more of not having the urgency to close out and get out there with a high hand,” Gregory said.
While the defensive performance set the Bulls back, Gregory remarked with high praise for his offense in the second half when they outscored UMass 42-33.
“You can’t ask for much more than that,” Gregory said.
South Florida will face Charleston Southern University on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Yuengling Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and BullsUnlimited.
More Stories
COLUMN: Cherish the press box moments
I still remember standing at mid-field as USF Football celebrated its Boca Raton Bowl win over Syracuse. Picture this scene: The crowd rushes to the field to surround the team and catch a glimpse of the Boca Raton Bowl trophy. “Go Bulls” echoed throughout the stadium, and green and gold confetti was everywhere. I soaked […]
Here’s how these undrafted USF football players’ careers turned out
Ahead of Thursday’s NFL Draft, many players wait in anticipation to hear their names called in the first round. For some, it’s an instant ticket to stardom. But being selected on the first day of the draft isn’t the only route to a successful career. Fifteen former undrafted NFL players are enshrined in the NFL […]
Column: USF men’s basketball, thanks for the fun season
This is a personal column about assistant sports editor Noah Vinsky’s first-hand experience covering men’s basketball. Sports have always run in my blood. Growing up, ESPN was nearly on a constant loop on my living room television. I came to USF knowing I wanted to be a writer. The Oracle seemed like a great place […]
USF’s Mindy McCord builds culture of “family and love” into lacrosse
At 23 years old, a career in coaching was not what Mindy McCord had envisioned. After a stint playing for one of the top field hockey teams in Australia following a successful college playing career, she returned to America. McCord was on track to earn a master’s degree in counseling at Virginia Tech while coaching […]
USF campus ministers offer perspective on stadium development: ‘Exciting benefit of exposure.’
Take a tranquil stroll down Sycamore Drive. It’s a quieter part of campus, hidden away from the usual hustle and bustle of USF. It’s home to an area colloquially known as “Religious Row,” a collection of on-campus religious organizations. In just a few years – with the construction of an on-campus football stadium – the […]
Here’s why these USF softball players chose their jersey numbers
For athletes, the number they wear is more than the added fabric on the back of their jersey. It often tells a deeper story about the players — who they are and where they come from. Here’s why these three USF softball players chose their respective jersey numbers. Related: USF softball is gaining momentum during […]