The University of South Florida (USF) men’s basketball team faced a challenging non-conference matchup against Bethune-Cookman at the Yuengling Center on Wednesday night. Despite a determined effort and three players scoring in double figures, the Bulls were unable to secure a victory, ultimately falling 77-69 to the Wildcats.
As highlighted by Etruesports, this contest demonstrated the competitive nature of both teams, with USF displaying resilience throughout the game. The loss drops South Florida’s record to 5-6, while Bethune-Cookman improves to 3-8, gaining momentum as they push forward in their season.
Key Performances from USF
- Jamille Reynolds led the Bulls with 15 points, marking his seventh game of the season scoring in double figures.
- Jayden Reid added 12 points, recording his sixth double-digit performance of the year.
- Kasen Jennings contributed 12 points, his third consecutive game in double figures.
USF Vs. Bethune-Cookman (image via Getty)First Half: USF Struggles to Find Early Rhythm
Bethune-Cookman set the tone early, opening the game with a commanding 7-0 run while holding the Bulls scoreless until the first media timeout. South Florida’s first points came from Reggie Ward Jr., followed by a mid-range jumper from Brandon Stroud to put the team on the board.
Midway through the first half, Bethune-Cookman maintained their lead at 19-12, led by a six-point burst from Daniel Rouzan. However, USF found some momentum toward the end of the half, closing the gap with an 11-5 run. This late push brought the score to 32-29 at halftime, with CJ Brown leading the Bulls with 8 points. USF’s defense also tightened, keeping the Wildcats scoreless for the final 2:41 before the break.
Second Half: A Hard-Fought Battle
USF came out strong in the second half, quickly narrowing the deficit. A 3-pointer by Reid, followed by a powerful dunk from Reynolds, brought the Bulls within one point. Moments later, another deep three from Reid gave USF their first lead of the game at 37-35.
However, Bethune-Cookman responded immediately with a decisive 10-0 run, reclaiming control at 45-37. Despite USF’s efforts to keep up the pace and take advantage of free-throw opportunities, the Wildcats continued to execute efficiently.
With just under eight minutes left, the Bulls cut the deficit to 58-54, fueled by eight free-throw points. However, Bethune-Cookman maintained their composure, extending their lead and sealing the victory at 77-69.
Standout Performances
- Reggie Ward led the Wildcats with a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds, earning a double-double.
- Trey Thomas and Brayon Freeman added 18 points each, providing critical scoring depth.
- Daniel Rouzan rounded out Bethune-Cookman’s double-digit scorers with 12 points.
For South Florida, Reynolds, Jennings, and Stroud each contributed 6 rebounds, while Reid led the team with 4 assists. The Bulls’ bench also showcased its depth, outscoring the Wildcats’ reserves 23-6.
Looking Ahead for USF
The Bulls will look to regroup and focus on building consistency as they prepare for their upcoming games. With key players stepping up and strong bench performances, South Florida remains determined to turn things around.
Stay connected with Etruesports for continued coverage of USF basketball and in-depth insights into the team’s progress throughout the season.
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