The USF Bulls end their four game losing streak with a big win over Bethune-Cookman, 83-63.
USF only had a one point lead at halftime, 36-35, but ran away with the game midway through the second half. Five Bulls scored in double-digits, led by guard, Stephan Jiggetts, who surpassed 1,000 career points during the game.
When asked about the milestone, Jiggetts said, “I didn’t even know I was that close, to be honest. I guess it’s a good thing to be happy about.”
“It all started with the defense and rebounding, it put us in a position where we could run,” said USF head coach, Brian Gregory, after the game. Asked about Tulio Da Silva’s energy, who scored 15 points, he said, “I was really pleased with his energy last game. Seventeen rebounds. I wish he got seventeen, tonight.”
Payton Banks came off the bench to score 16, while Terrence Samuel and Malik Martin knocked down ten, apiece. As a team, the Bulls hit 55% of their field goals and 76% of their free throws. The edge in the game came from second-chance shots, where they outscored Bethune-Cookman, 22-9.
Bethune-Cookman had three players in double-digit scoring, with a very solid performance coming from Isaiah Bailey, who finished with 19. Houston Smith and Soufiyane Diakite scored 12 and 11, respectively. The Wildcats drop to 5-6 on the season and will return to action against Kennesaw State on Saturday, 12/16.
The Bulls improve to 5-6 and will stay home to host Northern Arizona on Monday, 12/18.