By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA, FEB. 14, 2015 – Freshman center Ruben Guerrero put together his best game as a Bull with familiar faces in the stands from far away.

Guerrero scored a career-high 17 points and added six rebounds and three blocks in USF's 75-48 loss to Memphis on Saturday at the Sun Dome. Guerrero now has five double-digit scoring games and head coach Orlando Antigua continues to see progression from his 6-foot-11 big man.

"He's a kid that continues to improve and we're excited about his growth and his maturity," Antigua said. "He had a really good outing and I'm glad because his parents are in from Spain. We may need to convince them to move here."

Redshirt freshman forward Bo Zeigler (Detroit) also produced with 10 points in a game that saw the Bulls put pressure on Memphis early in the second half. USF (7-19, 1-12) cut its deficit to 31-28 with 18:59 remaining before the Tigers (15-10, 7-5) snapped a two-game losing streak. Memphis scored 28 points off 18 USF turnovers in the lone meeting between the programs this season.

"I think we started turning the ball over and our turnovers were leading to fast break points for them, which led to giving them more energy and affecting ours a little bit in the second half," Antigua said.

Guerrero was on his way to a new career high with 10 points in the first half as USF headed into the break down, 31-21. Guerrero started 5-for-7 from the field to power an offense that shot 31 percent (9-for-29) in the opening period.

The Bulls roared out of the gates by starting the second half on a 7-0 run and Troy Holston Jr.'s layup cut the deficit to 31-28 with 18:59 remaining. Holston continued his hot stretch with eight points and six rebounds.

"When we were making our run everyone was involved from the court to the bench," said senior Corey Allen Jr., who added seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Shaq Goodwin finished with a game-high 18 points and Avery Woodson added 11 points for Memphis. The Tigers pulled away by shooting 59 percent after the break.

The Bulls are back at the Sun Dome on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to take on Houston at 7 p.m. (TV: ESPNews). Purchase tickets HERE.