South Florida delivered a resounding 82-69 victory over UAB at Bartow Arena, led by Joseph Pinion's outstanding 23-point performance. The Bulls' win not only showed their strength on the road but also proved CHD Scout's pre-game prediction wrong, as they were expected to lose by 2.9 points. Instead, South Florida dominated the Blazers, outscoring them by 13 points.
The first half set the tone for the game, with South Florida taking a commanding 45-34 lead. Joseph Pinion was unstoppable, scoring 14 of his 23 points in the first half. His teammates, Izaiyah Nelson and Josh Omojafo, also made significant contributions, with Nelson adding 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Omojafo scoring 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. UAB's Daniel Rivera tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 14 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bulls' relentless offense.
In the second half, UAB attempted to mount a comeback, but South Florida's defense held strong, limiting the Blazers to just 35 points. Jacob Meyer and Chance Westry tried to spark a rally, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively, but the deficit was too great to overcome. The Bulls' balanced attack and stout defense allowed them to maintain their double-digit lead throughout the second half, ultimately securing the 13-point win.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The victory is a significant boost to South Florida's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quad 2 win. With a current net ranking of 70, the Bulls are solidifying their position as a potential tournament contender. For UAB, the loss is a Quad 2 defeat, which may impact their own tournament chances. The Blazers, currently ranked 113 in the net rankings, must regroup and focus on their upcoming games to stay in the conversation.
CHD Scout's incorrect prediction serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball. South Florida's impressive performance, however, is a reflection of their skill and depth. As the season progresses, the Bulls want to build on this momentum, while UAB will aim to bounce back from the disappointing loss. With the win, South Florida improves to 12-7, while UAB falls to 12-8. The Bulls' resume is now more impressive, and they want to continue their strong play in their upcoming games.