TAMPA, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2026 – The University of South Florida men's basketball team delivered a statement performance Sunday afternoon inside the Yuengling Center, pulling away in the second half to defeat Florida Atlantic 89–75, in front of the largest crowd of the season with over 4,833 fans in attendance.
South Florida turned a three-point halftime deficit into a commanding win by outscoring FAU 56–39 after the break, using depth, rebounding, and balanced scoring to pull away. The victory marked USF's first win over Florida Atlantic since 2024, and the largest margin of victory against FAU (14 points) since 2009.
The Bulls had five players in double figures, showcasing depth across the lineup. Led by Wes Enis' 19 points and five threes, while Izaiyah Nelson posted his 14th double-double of the season via a 15-point and 12-rebound double-double. CJ Brown added 17 points and seven assists, Joseph Pinion scored 13, and Daimion Collins chipped in 12 efficient points off the bench.
Florida Atlantic held a slim 36–33 advantage at the break, with South Florida keeping the game close behind balanced scoring, defensive stops, and consistent rebounding.
South Florida answered immediately out of the half a deep three from Wes Enis ignited the crowd and helped the Bulls take control of the tempo. With Alley-oops by Daimion Collins and Izaiyah Nelson energized the Yuengling Center and pushed USF in front, prompting multiple Florida Atlantic timeouts.
The Bulls recorded a season-high 21 offensive rebounds, extending possessions and generating consistent scoring opportunities. Izaiyah Nelson was especially effective around the rim, while CJ Brown and Joseph Pinion helped sustain momentum through ball movement and transition play.
USF built its advantage into double digits midway through the half as Enis connected on consecutive threes and Pinion added a timely triple to push the lead to 70–58. The Bulls continued to apply pressure, stretching the margin to 75–60 and maintaining control the rest of the way.
South Florida's defensive pressure consistently generated momentum, turning stops into offense throughout the game. Joseph Pinion was tied for a team-best +18 plus-minus, contributing through defensive effort, spacing, and smart decision-making when it mattered.
South Florida closed the afternoon with composure at the free-throw line and consistent interior execution, sealing the win as the home crowd stayed on its feet through the final horn.
The Bulls finished shooting 44 percent from the field, recorded 18 assists, and held a 49–35 advantage in rebounds, underscoring a dominant second-half effort that secured a milestone victory of 89-75 in the American Conference.
Note-a-Bulls:
• Offensive Identity – South Florida entered the matchup as the American Athletic Conference's top scoring offense and delivered another strong outing with 89 points, pulling away in the second half.
• Balanced Scoring – Five Bulls finished in double figures, led by Wes Enis (19), Izaiyah Nelson (15), CJ Brown (17), Joseph Pinion (13), and Daimion Collins (12).
• Interior Presence – Izaiyah Nelson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends and continuing his conference-leading rebounding production.
• Bench Impact – Daimion Collins provided an efficient spark off the bench, scoring 12 points on six-of-seven shooting, while Adriel Nyorha contributed energy, ball movement, and defensive activity.
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Free Throw Execution – The Bulls closed the game at the line, finishing 22-for-31 from the stripe to maintain control late.
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Home Crowd – The game drew 4,833 fans, marking the largest men's basketball attendance of the season at the Yuengling Center.
Up Next:
South Florida continues conference play on the road, traveling to Tulane on Wednesday, Jan. 28, for a 9 p.m. ET matchup in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will air on ESPNU, with radio coverage available on BullsUnlimited.
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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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