The USF Bulls (8-15, 1-9) fell to Memphis (14-8, 5-4) 86-74 on Wednesday night in the Sun Dome.
Memphis took control of this game throughout the first half, building a 42-32 halftime lead. The Tigers built on that in the second half, including an 18-8 run that saw them score twelve consecutive points at one stretch. The Bulls would pull within ten down the stretch but get no closer, and Memphis would wind up winning the game by a dozen.
David Collins had a career night for USF, The freshman from Youngstown, Ohio, scored 21 points, including going 10-for-11 from the free throw line, and added four assists and four rebounds. Payton Banks added 18 points in the losing cause. The Tigers were led by 18 points from Kyvon Davenport and Jamal Johnson, with Davenport matching a season high with 11 rebounds.
The Bulls return to action on Sunday as they host Tulsa at the Sun Dome. Tipoff from Tampa is set for 1 PM on Super Bowl Sunday.