USF men’s basketball has hit a rough patch in the last couple of weeks, dropping four of its last five games.

The Bulls (10-10, 3-4 AAC) started 2-0 in American Athletic Conference (AAC) play, but since then deficiencies on both sides of the ball have plagued the team. 

Stagnant offense

On offense, South Florida has struggled to shoot the ball, especially from deep. The Bulls rank ninth in the conference in three-point percentage, shooting at a 33% clip.

In its 63-56 win against Tulsa on Jan. 18, the Bulls’ shooting issues were on full display. USF shot just 35% from the field, along with a season low 11% from three.

USF mustered enough offense in the game’s last five minutes to secure the victory, ending on a 19-2 run.

After the game, interim head coach Ben Fletcher said the recipe for success was simple in the team’s next game.

“If we take care of the ball and get shots at the basket we’ll be fine,” Fletcher said. 

Related: USF overcomes offensive slump, rallies to beat Tulsa

In the following game last Wednesday versus Charlotte, the Bulls cut down on the turnovers, but turned in a similarly disappointing shooting performance.

USF again shot 35% from the field, including a measly 18% from beyond the arc. The terrible offensive output led to a 69-61 loss to a 49ers team who were on a seven game losing streak.

Rebounding woes

The Bulls have been a staunch defensive unit in the AAC, ranking third in the conference in scoring defense.

However, the Bulls have been subpar in one key area – rebounding.

During league play, USF has been the worst team at grabbing boards in the conference. USF gives up an average of 39 rebounds per game, including 8.9 on the offensive glass.

South Florida’s rebounding problem was a factor in its 92-83 loss versus UAB on Jan. 15. The Bulls were outrebounded 40-20, giving up nine second-chance points – equal to its margin of defeat.

Fletcher said USF’s rebounding problem wasn’t for a lack of effort, but rather they were just out-hustled.

I didn’t see guys just looking and guys running past them,” Fletcher said. “Their physicality had something to do with it.

USF gave up 92 points to the Blazers, the third most points it has allowed this season. The No. 21 Florida Gators and Middle Tennessee are the only teams to score more, with 98- and 95-point, outings respectively 

Fletcher said the team was overwhelmed by UAB’s gameplan after the loss.

“It was paralysis from analysis,” said Fletcher. “Let’s settle down, this is how we adjust, but at that point guys were already frustrated.”

Looking forward

With 11 games left in the season, USF has to go on a win streak for a chance at back-to-back regular season titles. The Bulls are currently seventh in the AAC standings.

South Florida will have a chance to avenge its loss versus UAB on Feb. 16. It will also face No. 19 Memphis two times in its remaining schedule.

The Bulls upset the No. 10 Tigers in 2024, securing its first win over a ranked opponent since its 58-51 defeat of Louisville in 2012.

Men’s basketball will face Rice at home at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and Bulls Unlimited