MIAMI, NOV. 27, 2015 – Three Bulls scored in double figures and USF matched No. 1 Kentucky point-for-point in the second half in an 84-63 loss to the Wildcats Friday in the Hoophall Miami Invitational.

Freshman guard Jahmal McMurray scored 13 points to lead the Bulls (1-5). Senior Jaleel Cousins scored in double-figures for the third-straight game with 12 points despite playing three minutes in the first half due to foul trouble. Junior forward Chris Perry had 12 points and eight rebounds and was named the Most Outstanding Player for USF following the game.

The Bulls weathered foul trouble early on and trailed 27-21 with six minutes remaining in the first half. However, the Wildcats (6-0) scored the last 15 points of the half to take a 42-21 lead at the break.

 “In the first half we got into some foul trouble with Roddy and Jaleel and we couldn't get into a rhythm, which is a credit to Kentucky and their defense,” said USF head coach Orlando Antigua.

USF shot 60 percent from the field in the second half and scored 42 points, but also allowed 42 points. The Bulls never got closer than 19 points.

 “I thought in the second half we were able to settle down and get into our normal rotation,” said Antigua.

“The second half showed us how we can fight together as one,” said McMurray. “Going forward, if we can fight like that, we can keep getting better and better.”

USF shot 46.4 percent from the field, while top-ranked Kentucky shot 50 percent including 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from 3-point range.

With Cousins in early foul trouble, sophomore center Ruben Guerrero played 27 minutes and had his best game of the season with eight points, five rebounds and two blocks.

Kentucky was led by freshman guard Jamal Murray with 21 points. The Wildcats also forced the Bulls into 14 turnovers.

Towards the end of the game, walk-ons Tre' Bryant and Justin David made their USF debuts and played one minute each. Around the same time, Kentucky put in David's brother, Jonny David, and the two guarded each other for a possession.

USF will next be in action on Sunday when it hosts Savannah State at 2 p.m. Reserve your seats at USFBullsTix.com. 

The USF men's basketball team returns seven from last season's team including regular starters Ruben Guerrero, Chris Perry, Nehemias Morillo and Bo Zeigler. Orlando Antigua is in his second season as the head coach after spending the previous five season as an assistant to Naismith Hall of Fame coach John Calipari. USF's schedule is comprised of nine teams which had an RPI of 54 or better last season. The Bulls host 19 games, five of those teams made the NCAA Tournament last season.