USF delivered one of its most important victories of the season, defeating Tulsa 80–74 to climb into first place in the American Conference. The Bulls leaned on star forward Izaiyah Nelson, who powered the offense with 25 points and 10 rebounds, continuing the dominant form that has defined his season.
The matchup carried major implications. Tulsa entered the game with one of the best records in the league and a reputation for closing out tight contests. USF, however, controlled the pace, attacked the paint, and made timely defensive stops to seize momentum in front of an energized home crowd.
Nelson and Enis Lead the Charge in a Physical Battle
Nelson’s performance set the tone early, but he wasn’t alone. Wes Enis added 20 points and six assists, hitting key shots whenever Tulsa threatened to rally. His efficiency—6 of 11 from the field—kept the Bulls steady during tense stretches.
CJ Brown contributed 14 points, including seven crucial free throws that helped USF maintain its lead late. Tulsa countered with a strong outing from Ade Popoola, who scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while David Green added 16. But despite their efforts, the Golden Hurricane struggled to match USF’s interior presence and second‑chance scoring.
The Bulls’ defensive pressure forced turnovers at pivotal moments, disrupting Tulsa’s rhythm and preventing them from establishing their usual offensive flow. The result was a balanced, disciplined effort that showcased USF’s growth and resilience.
A Defining Moment as USF Eyes a Championship Push
With the win, South Florida not only claimed first place but also sent a message to the rest of the conference. This team is no longer a dark horse—it’s a legitimate contender with the talent and toughness to chase a championship.
The Bulls now control their destiny. Nelson continues to play at an elite level, Enis has emerged as a reliable backcourt leader, and the supporting cast is delivering in key moments. If USF maintains this trajectory, the program could be headed toward one of its most successful seasons in years.
The victory over Tulsa may be remembered as the turning point—a night when the Bulls proved they belong at the top of the Americas Conference.
Bulls Control Their Own Destiny
South Florida now turns from its statement win over Tulsa to a defining closing stretch that will decide whether the Bulls can finish on top of the Americas Conference. Next up is a key matchup against Wichita State, a physical, well‑coached team that can punish mistakes and turn defensive pressure into quick points—exactly the kind of opponent that tests a first‑place squad’s composure. After Wichita State, USF faces a demanding mix of home and road games against familiar conference foes, including contenders with size up front and veteran backcourts that will challenge the Bulls’ depth and discipline.
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Every trip, every defensive possession, and every late‑game execution sequence will matter as seeding for the Americas Conference Tournament comes into focus. With Izaiyah Nelson anchoring the frontcourt, the guards growing more confident in late‑clock situations, and the defense trending upward, USF enters this final stretch with a clear mandate: protect home court, stay connected defensively, and avoid the kind of lapses that can flip tight games in March. If the Bulls can navigate Wichita State and the remaining conference gauntlet with the same toughness they showed against Tulsa, they won’t just be chasing a high seed—they’ll be building one of the most complete and convincing seasons in program history.
