TAMPA (AP) -- Jesus Verdejo scored 20 points as the University of South Florida beat East Carolina 81-67 on Saturday night at the Sun Dome.

All five USF starters scored in double figures. Orane Chin, Chris Howard and Dominique Jones contributed 17, 12 and 11 points, respectively. Kentrell Gransberry added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

USF (3-3) won its third consecutive game after an 0-3 start.

Sam Hinnant led East Carolina (2-3) with 25 points, and Gabe Blair finished with 14 for the Pirates.

South Florida built a 14-point lead midway through the first half, but East Carolina rallied behind the long-range shooting of Hinnant. The junior guard connected from behind the arc for the sixth time in the closing moments of the half to put the Pirates ahead 34-33.

But Verdejo answered with a pair of 3-pointers in the final minute to give South Florida a 39-36 halftime advantage.

The Bulls slowly rebuilt their lead in the second half.