Memphis drove 79 yards on USF's defense, getting a 1-yard touchdown by 6-foot-8 receiver Carlos Singleton to pull within 24-14 of the Bulls with eight seconds left in the first half at the St. Petersburg Bowl.

USF continues to struggle with defensive penalties, with a pass interference call on third-and-12 giving Memphis the ball on the USF 3 with a minute to play. Three plays later, Arkelon Hall found his tall target in the front corner of the end zone -- the catch was initially ruled at the 1-yard line, but after review, the touchdown was called for Memphis.

USF has outgained Memphis 283-148 in the first half -- Matt Grothe is 13-for-19 for 176 yards and two scores, while rushing for 49 yards. For a few days at least, he is the BIg East's all-time leader in total offense -- he goes into the second half with 10,148 yards, ahead of West Virginia's Pat White, who has 10,142 and still plays in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

-- While we're at halftime, more on USF's basketball win in Puerto Rico. The Bulls found the shooting touch they've been missing for a while, hitting 57 percent as a team. Guard Dominique Jones, who's been woeful beyond the arc, went 5-for-7 on 3-pointers on the way to a game-high 23 points. Mike Mercer scored in double digits for the third time in his three games, finishing with 12 points. The Bulls had solid perimeter defense, as Murray State went 2-for-13 on 3-pointers in the loss. Next up is Wright State on Sunday afternoon ...