clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

USF Men’s Basketball Finds their Groove, Cruise Past Florida Gulf Coast University 76-57

After two brutal losses, it was good to see a complete game

By Nathan Bond

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

NCAA Basketball: AFR Hall of Fame Tip-Off-South Florida at Virginia Tech David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After two lackluster games versus Rhode Island, and Virginia Tech, the South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team came back to Tampa on Wednesday night and dominated Florida Gulf Coast the entire way for an easy [score] win inside the Yuengling Center.

Head coach Brian Gregory switched up the starting lineup for the game by putting senior guard David Collins on the bench to start, and inserting sophomore guard Jamir Chaplin into the lineup.

It worked.

The Bulls jumped out to an early 13-4 lead over the Eagles just four minutes into the game. Freshman guard Caleb Murphy, and redshirt sophomore Alexis Yetna made two field goals each to pace USF early.

The story of the game though, was junior center Michael Durr. The Atlanta native made his presence known in the first half on both ends of the floor, scoring 10 points, and adding six rebounds, and two blocks for good measure. Durr has scored at least 10 points in eight of his last nine games dating back to last season, including all four this season. He finished with 14 points, and nine rebounds.

FGCU is a far cry from their #DunkCity days, but to finally see the Bulls put together a complete game from start to finish is a good sign as they welcome in FAMU, and Stetson over the next week before heading to Atlanta to face LSU in the Holiday Hoopsgiving tournament.

USF faces former head coach Robert McCullum and his FAMU Rattlers on Friday at 5 p.m. on ESPN+.

Click this link to sign up for ESPN+. You’re gonna need folks.

The Daily Stampede has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though The Daily Stampede and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our guiding principles.

Notables:

  • Michael Durr made his first career three-pointer. He was 0-for-5 prior to the make.
  • Alexis Yetna had 13 points, and nine rebounds in 25 minutes.
  • Caleb Murphy had 12 points, and three assists. He made his first two three’s of his career.
  • Justin Brown’s two made three’s pushed him into a tie with Dominique Jones for 8th all-time in career 3PT made with 160.