The USF men’s basketball team delivered another statement road performance Sunday, grinding out an 83–81 overtime victory over Florida Atlantic at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
With the win, the Bulls improved to 18–8 overall and 10–3 in American Conference play, maintaining sole possession of first place. Their 10 conference victories rank third all‑time in single‑season program history. The seven road wins are now second‑most in program history, just one shy of the all‑time record.
South Florida has now won four straight games, marking both the longest streak of the season and the longest of the Bryan Hodgson era as the Bulls continue to surge toward March.
USF Extends Lead in the American
Losses by both Charlotte and Temple helped widen the gap atop the standings. With Sunday’s win, USF now holds a 1.5‑game lead over Tulsa (8–5) and Wichita State (8–5).
The Bulls swept Tulsa 2–0 this season, securing the tiebreaker, and split the series with Wichita State 1–1.
Wes Enis Takes Over Again
Wes Enis delivered another electric performance, finishing with a game‑high 27 points and five three‑pointers. It marked his eighth game this season with five or more threes, trailing only Tyler Harris (11 games in 2022–23) for the program record.
Enis scored 18 first‑half points, including a personal run of 13 straight, and hit a critical three in overtime that helped the Bulls regain control.
His 20‑point outing was his eighth of the season, the most on the team.
Pinion Joins the Record Chase
Joseph Pinion added 15 points and knocked down four threes, continuing his climb up the USF record book. His fourth triple moved him to 86 made threes this season, passing Chucky Atkins (84) for third‑most in a single season.
Enis’ overtime three pushed him to 85 made threes, also surpassing Atkins and giving him the fourth‑most in program history.
Together, Enis and Pinion became the first teammates in USF history to each make 80 or more threes in the same season.
A Back‑and‑Forth Battle
The game featured 17 lead changes, with neither team able to create separation. FAU led 38–36 at halftime, but the Bulls responded with timely perimeter shooting and key defensive stops.
Pinion’s late three gave USF a two‑point lead in the final minute of regulation before the Owls answered to force overtime at 72–72.
In the extra period, Enis connected from deep, and the Bulls executed in the closing moments. South Florida hit clutch free throws and secured a final defensive stop to seal the win.
Note‑a‑Bulls
Chucky Atkins Slips to Fifth
Pinion (86) and Enis (85) both passed Chucky Atkins (84) for the third and fourth‑most threes in a single season in program history.
Enis’ 5+ Three‑Pointer Games
Enis went 5‑for‑9 from deep, marking his eighth game with five or more threes. He now trails only Tyler Harris (11 games).
Season‑High Win Streak
USF’s four‑game winning streak is the longest of the season and the longest under Bryan Hodgson.
Winning Where It Matters
The Bulls’ 10 conference wins rank third all‑time, and their seven road wins rank second all‑time, just one shy of the program record.
Another Overtime Battle
USF has now played four overtime games this season, posting a 2–2 record.
NET Ranking Watch
USF entered the day at No. 57 in the NCAA NET Rankings with two Quad‑1 wins and three Quad‑2 wins. Their program record is No. 56, set earlier this season. Monday’s update could bring a new program best.
Up Next
South Florida returns home for a key conference matchup against Memphis (7–5) on Thursday, Feb. 19, with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Radio coverage will be available on Bulls Unlimited.
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