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MIAMI (Sports Network) -- Kentrell Gransberry's 21 points sparked a 77-69 University of South Florida victory over in-state rival Florida International in non- conference play at  Pharmed Arena.

The Bulls won their fourth straight game (4-3) after dropping their first three.

Jesus Verdejo nailed three from beyond the arc en route to 15 points, and Dominique Jones racked up 14 points.

Chris Howard dished out a game-high six assists while adding 10 points, and Orane Chin led the way on the boards with nine rebounds in the winning cause.

Kenneth White led all Golden Panthers (2-1) with 15 points, but shot just 6- of-21 from the field. Russell Hicks added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Fuller chipped 13 points and five assists.

Alex Galindo notched double- digits with 10 points in the loss.

In hitting 51.9 percent from the field in the first half, USF held a slim 38-34 edge at the break.

The Bulls defense held the Panthers to just 34.2 percent shooting from the floor in the second half, allowing the visitors to hold on for the eight-point win.

The Bulls made the most of their opportunities at the charity stripe, hitting 11 more free throws than their opponents (18-7).