USF men’s basketball failed to upset No.14 Memphis on Thursday night, losing 80-65.

The Tigers entered the match as one of the most formidable opponents on South Florida’s schedule. Memphis arrived riding a seven-game winning streak and ranked first place in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) standings.

The Bulls (12-13, 5-8 AAC) continue their up-and-down season, struggling to put together a consistent win streak.

Related: PHOTOS: USF men’s basketball suffers 80-65 loss against Memphis 

USF played the Tigers close at the beginning. The Bulls held a slim advantage after eight minutes of gameplay, leading 17-15.

From there, Memphis pulled away and never looked back. 

After the Bulls gained the lead, the Tigers proceeded to go on a 27-10 run to close the first half. 

South Florida struggled to find points to end the period, suffering a seven-minute drought without a field goal.

Most of USF’s missed shots during the drought came from the three-point line, going 2-15 from beyond the arc. 

Junior guard Kobe Knox said the team would have benefited from a variety of shot selection. 

“We have to find other ways to score, we were just living on the outside,” Knox said.

The Bulls shot the basketball better in the second half, but struggled to make stops to close the lead. 

The team also was reckless with the ball, committing 15 turnovers in the game.

Men’s basketball head coach Ben Fletcher said the team’s carelessness was due to nerves as Memphis’ lead grew.

“I thought we got out of character once we got down,” he said. “That’s not what we do, that’s not South Florida basketball.” 

Another factor in the Bulls’ loss was their lack of rebounding. The Tigers out-rebounded USF by 17, including grabbing 16 of their 51 rebounds on the offensive end.

The Bulls have been at a size disadvantage recently, losing 6-foot-9 forward De’Ante Green due to a foot injury he sustained versus Rice on Jan. 28.

When asked if Green could possibly make it back to the lineup by the AAC Tournament, Fletcher confirmed he would be out for the year. 

The loss versus Memphis places USF back under .500 and a 5-7 record in conference play.

With the AAC tournament approaching, Fletcher said the Bulls can play with anyone when they’re at the top of their game.

“When we’re competing at a high level and making shots, we’re a tough out, I promise you,” Fletcher said.

The Bulls will go on the road to face UAB at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 2 and Bulls Unlimited.