TAMPA, FLA., (Nov. 15, 2021) – South Florida fell behind by 14 points midway through the first half, but clawed its way back to a 56-54 victory over North Carolina A&T Monday night at the Yuengling Center.
Caleb Murphy and Jamir Chaplin both scored 12 points to lead USF (2-1) in scoring. Jake Boggs added nine points and a career high 10 rebounds. Russel Tchewa added eight boards.
BullsInsider.com was at the game and here is our Instant Analysis:
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Marcus Watson’s three-pointer from the top of the arc rattled out at the buzzer.
HE STOLE THE SHOW: Murphy was great when USF needed him to be. He scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. He had six assists -- a 3:1 A/TO ratio -- three steals and one block.
THE STAT DOESN’T LIE: USF outscored A&T 17-3 over the last 5:59 of the game.
WHAT A PLAY: Murphy found Greene in the corner who knocked down a three with 12-seconds to play in regulation.
THE BOTTOM LINE: USF struggled shooting in the first half, guarding the ball and keeping A&T out of the paint. But they found their rhythm in the second half to grind it out and earn a comeback victory. The players will have a NCAA mandated day off on Tuesday and will return to practice Wednesday to prepare for a Friday Nov. 19 date with No. 21-ranked Auburn at Amalie Arena.