TAMPA, Fla., December 18, 2025 – The University of South Florida men's basketball team (6-5) returns home this Sunday afternoon to host the UMBC Retrievers at the Yuengling Center, tipping off at 3 p.m. ET. The matchup will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage available on Bulls Unlimited.
The game will be USF's Holiday Celebration game, and fans are encouraged to bring donations of toys or sporting equipment for Head Coach Bryan Hodgson's non-profit, Coaching Love. Donations will be collected at marketing tables inside Gates A and C in the Yuengling Center, and fans who donate will be offered a free general admission ticket to South Florida's conference opener on January 4, 2026, vs. UAB.
Last Time Out:
The Bulls (6–5) are coming off a competitive road outing at No. 16 Alabama, where USF's trio of Izaiyah Nelson (25 points, 12 rebounds), Wes Enis (20 points), and Josh Omojafo (20 points, 11 rebounds) paced the offense in a 104–93 loss.
The Bulls are aiming to build momentum as American Conference play approaches, leaning on a balanced attack and a tough defensive approach at home. USF's non-conference slate has challenged the roster with high-level opponents, and Sunday's matchup offers a chance to remain undefeated at home in non-conference play.
Opponent Snapshot:
The Retrievers enter Tampa with a 6–5 overall mark under fifth-year head coach Jim Ferry, competing in the America East Conference. UMBC plays an efficient style, averaging more than 74 points per game while holding opponents to just over 70 points, showcasing a two-way identity that prizes ball movement and disciplined offense.
UMBC's roster features a mix of veteran leadership and athletic wings, with players like Jah'Likai King and Ace Valentine providing scoring punch and playmaking, and several pieces capable of stretching the floor with perimeter shooting.
Series History:
This is the first contest between these two teams in program history. This is the first time this season the Bulls have faced an opponent for the first time in program history.
The Game After:
The Bulls continue their 2025–26 season on Monday, Dec. 29, in the Yeungling Center to take on Georgia College & State at 4:30 p.m. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ or listen live on Bulls Unlimited.
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.
– #GoBulls –
