TUSCALOOSA, Ala, Dec. 17, 2025 – The University of South Florida men's basketball team narrowly fell to No. 16 Alabama, 104–93, on Wednesday night at Coleman Coliseum. The Bulls pushed the pace and traded runs with the Crimson Tide throughout the contest, cutting into the deficit multiple times before Alabama pulled away late.
South Florida finished with 54 second-half points and 93 total points, becoming just the fifth team this season to score 85+ points against Alabama, joining No. 22 St. John's, No. 6 Purdue, No. 18 Illinois, and No. 1 Arizona.
Izaiyah Nelson led USF with a season-high 25 points and 12 rebounds, securing his seventh double-double of the season.
Wes Enis added 20 points, connecting on a season-high six three-pointers, and
Josh Omojafo posted a double-double off the bench with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Joseph Pinion finished with 11 points, and
Tristan Beckford contributed six points and four rebounds.
South Florida scored first, and the opening half featured six ties as the Bulls matched Alabama score-for-score through the early and middle stretches. Enis set the tone early, drilling his third three-pointer at the 15-minute mark and later tying the game at 31–31 with another. He finished the first half with 17 points, setting the tone offensively for the Bulls.
The Bulls generated momentum defensively midway through the half, holding Alabama scoreless from 12:15 to 10:11. South Florida capitalized on the stretch by forcing six turnovers and turning them into 11 points. The Bulls also held strong inside the paint, scoring 14 points in the paint and grabbing 22 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. The Bulls narrowly trailed 46–39 at halftime.
South Florida put together a 6–0 run early in the second half, highlighted by back-to-back dunks from
Izaiyah Nelson, to cut into the deficit. The Bulls continued to apply pressure with their up-tempo style and physical play inside, pushing the pace against one of the nation's top defenses. USF stayed within reach into the final stretch before falling 104–93.
Note-a-Bulls:
- Offensive Benchmark– USF is one of five ranked team this season to score 85+ points against Alabama, joining No. 22 St. John's, No. 6 Purdue, No. 18 Illinois, and No. 1 Arizona.
- Double-Digit Depth – Four Bulls reached double digits: Joseph Pinion, Izaiyah Nelson, Wes Enis, and Josh Omojafo.
- Bench Contributions – Josh Omojafo recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
- Season Milestone – Izaiyah Nelson posted a season-high 25 points and recorded his seventh double-double of the season.
- Tempo Production – The Bulls continued to play at one of the fastest tempos in the nation, ranking 19th in Division I in adjusted tempo (KenPom).
- Perimeter Production – Wes Enis connected on a season-high six three-pointers, finishing with 20 points.
Up Next:
South Florida returns home to host UMBC on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. ET at the Yuengling Center as part of the Bulls' Holiday Celebration. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ and listen live on Bulls Unlimited.
Fans are encouraged to bring and donate toys and sporting equipment in exchange for a ticket to the Bulls' conference opener against UAB, Jan. 4, 2026. Collection will take place inside gates A and C. All donations will go to children in need through
Bryan Hodgson's charity, Coaching Love.
Tickets:
Men's basketball single-game and season tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-Go-Bulls or by visiting USFBullsTix.com.
Follow us:
Follow South Florida men's basketball on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About USF Men's Basketball
South Florida men's basketball named Bryan Hodgson, 37, as the program's 12th head coach on March 24, 2025. Hodgson came to Tampa from Arkansas State, where he led the program to back-to-back 20-win seasons and its first postseason appearance since 1999 in his two seasons at the helm.
The program, entering its 55th season in 2025-26, most recently won the American Athletic Conference regular season championship in 2023-24 and has made 13 postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments, nine NITs, and a CBI championship in 2019. Three former Bulls – Chucky Atkins, Charlie Bradley, and Rodenko Dobras – have had their jerseys retired and are members of the USF Athletic Hall of Fame. The Bulls play their home games at the 10,400-seat Yuengling Center on the USF Tampa campus.
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