The USF Bulls (19-13, 8-10) saw their NIT hopes take a hit as they fell to the UConn Huskies (16-16, 6-12) 80-73 to bow out of the American Athletic Tournament on the first day.
The game started well enough for USF, who led for most of the first six minutes of the game. However, midway through the first half UConn took control thanks to a 19-1 lead and deadly accurate shooting from the field. The Huskies shooting was so accurate as the game progressed that they were still shooting 70% from the field with fifteen minutes to go in the game.
The Bulls did not go easily, as they scracthed and clawed back into the game down the stretch, pulling within five in the game's final minutes. However, the Huskies got just enough shots down the stretch to hang on for a seven point victory and advance to face Houston, the AAC's top seed in the conference tournament.
USF was led by 19 points and seven assists from LaQuincy Rideau - David Collins added 15 points in the loss. For UConn, Christian Vital scored 25 points to lead a team that 54% from the field. The Huskies also finished with incredible numbers from behind the three-point line, going 13-for-24 (54.2%) from behind the arc.
USF will now await to see if they will play in a postseason tournament - for the latest Bulls coverage, check out 95.3 WDAE & AM 620 on air and on web.